Some LLMDs treat LD first. Later, they give patients a trial run of Mepron & Zithromax to see if they herx on about the 5th day of treatment-----which may indicate Babesia.

But every LLMD's protocol is different; just depends on the patient's needs.

Because the symptoms of the co-infections overlap--------it's almost impossible to distinguish among them.

I don't know if you have a silent Babesia infection or you have definite, overt symptoms, but many LLMDs will treat without a positive test.

You probably already know all this, but getting a positive PCR is like finding a needle in a haystack. (Personally, I wouldn't want to have to pay for a PCR for any type of infection.)

ABX will also adversely affect a PCR test. Just my opinion, but if given the choice, avoid the PCR test. It's really not geared in your favor.

Here's what I try to tell people when they're wondering about Babesia:

It's my understanding that it can get into the bone marrow, cause anemia; affects the brain and can possibly cause kidney failure. It's nothing to let go "untreated."

Also, it will impede your LD treatment. Once Babs is gone the LD treatment goes much faster.

The following text is taken from notes by Lyme Borrelia Out-Reach Foundation, Inc.:

"Dr. B. talked quite a bit about piroplasms. There are 13, and the only one that has a name is babesiosis.

Interestingly, at least 90% of his chronic Lyme patients have tested positive for babesiosis.

In fact, he said they are now questioning anyone who does NOT test positive, still being suspicious that they may have it!!!

It commonly causes brain dysfunction and headaches, so he said to watch out for the arthritic symptoms clearing (lyme), but the other symptoms persisting.

Suspect babesia!

Three things he pointed out about babesiosis.

1. much more common than originally thought

2. high fever is rare

3. becomes chronic when lyme is chronic

An interesting thing is babesia hangs out in spinal fluid, which is odd considering that they are blood parasites!"

Found at: http://www.angelfire.com/ny/lymedisease/fdn.html

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I've also learned that Babesia can cause neuro problems/depression.

If you get treated for it, be sure & consider getting at least 4 months of treatment as one life cycle for Babs is 4 months.

Dr. B. even recommends treating for at least 4 to 6 months in his Treatment Guidelines.

Many posters stay on treatment for many months. (And add in herbal ArtemISININ)

In these notes taken from one of Dr. B's lectures: "He's shocked to find someone with chronic LD that ``doesn't'' also have Babesia."

If neuro symptoms persist, he says suspect Babesia. You don't have to have all the textbook symptoms, especially if you have a silent infection.

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Look under ``Necropsy findings'' on the site below:

``The Babesia organisms express a molecule on the surface of the red blood cell that causes the red blood cell to adhere to the host microvasculature.

In the brain, this results in sludging of blood, the nervous signs noted, and the overall pink color.'' [The site contains great photos.]

http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/NSEP/babesia/ENG/necropsy_findings.htm

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This is an old article from 2001, but it listed symptoms and was very readable for me:

``When to Suspect and How to Monitor Babesiosis''

``Signs of central nervous system involvement include headache, photophobia, neck and back stiffness, altered sensorium and emotional lability.''

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010515/1969.html

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One person on the board said it took 8 rounds of Mepron/Zith to get rid of the depression. It's different for every patient.

Babesia symptoms taken from Matthew Goss' website:

``Babesia:

Fever, chills and sweating, weakness, weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, headache, neck and back stiffness. Also dark urine or blood in your urine.

This disease is very similar to malaria, and drugs used to treat malaria are also used to treat Babesia. Don't be fooled if your symptoms go away, they will come back every few weeks, and they will get worse each time they do.''

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Sometimes the hard part is convincing your LLMD to treat for Babs anyway.

Some treatments are:
Mepron & Zithromax (with herbal ArtemisININ)

OR

Clindymicin & Quinine Sulfate

Special meds from overseas:
Riamet

Here's another example of Babesia treatment posted today from Neal at the bottom of the thread which I thought was fascinating.

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/032380.html

I'm sure others will visit & share their experiences. My story about Babs is also in the above thread. I would have never guessed in a million years I had Babesia.

The LLMD picked up on the symptoms. My Bowen Test was negative for Babs. He said enough testing-----let's treat.

Best Wishes,
Jan