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Overlooked Infections Associated with Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, once considered a rare and easily treated ailment, is actually a
complex infectious disease which can progress to a chronic state and seriously affect even the most healthy individuals and their pets. The discovery of multiple strains of Borrelia spirochetes (over 300 to date), coupled with the fact that at least three different forms of spirochetes have been documented (spirochetal, spheroplast, and cystic form), is merely the underlying foundation of the comprehensive infectious
soup currently referred to as `Lyme disease'.
Lyme and other tick borne infections have the ability to destroy the brain, the
peripheral nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system. They may also cause a variety of dermatological, pulmonary, gynecological, endocrinological, urological
manifestations, and are known to cause life threatening cardiac abnormalities.
Standard testing for Lyme disease misses up to 90 percent of the people who are
infected with the most common form of Borellia (burgdorferi) and also misses
patients infected with other strains of Lyme, such as STARI, or Master's Disease.
Babesiosis:
The parasite that causes Babesiosis destroys red blood cells and causes a malaria-like
illness which is potentially fatal. It is characterized by fever, chills, sweats, muscle pains, breathing difficulties, headaches, and malaise. Patients may also experience episodes of depression, dizziness, vomiting, bleeding tendencies, dark colored urine, anemia, bruising, pulmonary edema, anorexia, and encephalopathy. Chronic forms of Babesiosis can be milder and may go undetcted or be misdiagnosed.
Treatment: Combinations of Atovaquone and Zithromax, or Atovaquone and Biaxin
are currently being used to treat various strains of Babesiosis. This combination has
less potential side effects than quinine and clindamyacin. Re-treatment or long term
treatment is often needed in long-standing cases. Tests may not be positive in
infected patients and will not detect all known strains.
Bartonella:
Bartonella quintana and Bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever and trench fever) are
bacterial infections which can cause fatigue, restlessness, myalgias, encephalopathy, liver or spleen involvement, abdominal pain, hepatitis, seizures (mild to severe), headaches, cognitive dysfunction, red splotches or slightly raised red spots,
subcutaneous nodules, softening of bone, radiculitis, transverse myelitis, arthritis,
polyneuropathy, endocarditis, cardiomegaly, and an array of eye problems such as
conjunctivitis, neuroretinitis, and a loss of vision. A rash appearing as ``stretch
marks'', with any of the above symptoms, may indicate infection. If not treated
promptly and properly, Bartonella can become chronic and difficult to eradicate.
Treatment: Antibiotics, such as Doxycycline, Rifampin, Ciprofloxacin, or a
combination, have been used with varying degrees of success.
Ehrlichiosis:
Ehrlichiosis, HME or HGE, (rickettsial diseases related to RMSF) may be fatal,
however, milder chronic forms do exist. Headaches, fever, chills, myalgias, fatigue,
nausea, vomiting, rash, and cough are some of the more prominent symptoms.
Treatment: Doxycycline is often used to treat various strains of Ehrlichia infections. Doses may need to be increased or extended due to the severity or duration of the illness and co-infections involved. Treatment must be started immediately if
Ehrlichiosis is suspected. Tests may be negative.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever:
RMSF is a rickettsial disease normally presenting with a sudden onset of fever,
chills, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and conjunctivitis. A spotted rash may
appear on the hands and feet in about 50% of cases. Delay in treatment may result
in death or a chronic illness which can affect the brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs,
kidneys, or liver. Chronic cases of RMSF may also cause a loss of bladder or bowel
control, blood clotting problems, partial paralysis, hearing loss, congestive heart
failure, movement disorders, and respiratory distress syndrome. The fatality rate
can reach 20% in untreated cases.
Treatment: The most common treatment for RMSF is Doxycycline, which should be
started immediately if this disease is suspected.
Ask your doctor about other tick borne diseases and viruses including STARI,
Tularemia, Brucelliosis, Anaplasmas, Leptospirosis, Histoplasmosis, and
Mycoplasmas.
For more information contact:
The Lyme Disease Association
PO Box 1438, Jackson, NJ 08527 Toll free 1-888-366-6611
http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/
For assistance and latest research developments, physicians may contact:
The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS)
P.O. Box 341461, Bethesda, MD 20827-1461 http://www.ilads.org/
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