Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete—a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. What many people refer to as “Lyme Disease” is often more complex than a single bacterial infection. It typically involves multiple infections and immune system dysregulation, which is why the term Tick Borne Disease (TBD) is commonly used. Ticks commonly carry multiple strains of Borrelia as well as coinfections such as: Babesia, Bartonella (19 species), Erlichia, Anaplasma, Mycoplasma species, Tick Borne Relapsing Fever, Rickettsia, Anaplasmosis, Powassan Virus, Chlamydia Pneumonia and other opportunistic viruses - CMV, HHV6, Coxsackie, EBV. Because each person may carry a different combination of organisms, symptoms and illness patterns vary greatly from person to person.

Tick Borne Diseases are epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme each year. However, because diagnosing TBD can be difficult, many people who actually have Lyme may be misdiagnosed with other conditions. It is now estimated that Tick Borne Disease (TBD) will affect 35% of the global population by 2050.‍ ‍

How do people get Tick borne illness?

Most people get Lyme from the bite of the nymph, or immature, form of the tick. Nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed. Because they are so tiny and their bite is painless, many people do not even realize they have been bitten. While ticks are the main source of transmission, co-infections can come through biting flys, mosquitos, fleas, spiders and lice. Research shows that Lyme bacteria can cross the placenta during pregnancy which is why proper evaluation and treatment is necessary. Some doctors believe other types of human-to-human transmission are possible but little is known for certain. The lyme bacteria has been found in all body fluids. Not everyone exposed to TBD becomes ill. In many patients, symptoms may emerge after a significant stressor such as: Mold, major emotional stress, viral illness, pregnancy or post partum changes, trauma, or immune suppression.

FAR REACHING EFFECTS OF LYME/TBD.

Lyme and TBD can affect nearly every system of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, hormone and endocrine system, immune, digestive and cardiovascular system. Patients with TBD are frequently misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, seizures, PANS, and autoimmunity. Psychiatric illnesses are also common such as panic disorder, OCD, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, POTS/dysautonomia, anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimers. Chronic lyme is a neuropsychiatric illness.   Cognitive, neurological, neuropsychological, emotional and behavioral symptoms are common in Lyme disease/TBD. Symptoms negatively impact memory, focus, mood, sleep, emotional regulation, academic performance and overall quality of life.

Where is Lyme/TBD disease found?

Lyme disease has been found on every continent except Antarctica. It is found all across the United States, with a particularly high incidence in the East, Midwest, and West Coast. Infections are increasingly identified in areas previously considered “low” risk”. Because many people never recall a tick bite or rash, TBD should not be ruled out solely on geography.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

It is estimated that 35% of lyme disease cases are missed with standard ELISA testing. Also, less than 1/3 of people will have the classic Bulls-Eye rash or Erythema Chronicum Migrans after a tick bite. Diagnosis can be elusive. Many sick patients do not test positive on lab tests. Therefore the diagnosis must be made by a Lyme literate physician who through a detailed health history, can read the clinical signs, physical findings, symptoms and laboratory testing. Misdiagnosis delays the correct diagnosis and treatment as the underlying infection progresses unchecked. Testing is constantly evolving and there are many good tests available to test the most common infections. However, a negative test, may be a false negative and if symptoms are present, treat anyway. I use a combination of of lab tests including IGENEX, Infectolabs, and Armin Labs. At times I may use challenge testing where a treatment is given and if it causes a significant reaction, it is believed to be a positive.

What is Lyme or Co-infection Treatment?

Often the person being diagnosed with Lyme or co-infections is in a depleted or toxic state which must be addressed for a person to respond to Lyme treatment.  Also, chronic inflammation from infection puts stress on the adrenals, thyroid, liver, gall bladder, lymphatics, spleen and digestive system. In complex illness, there will be many layers that need to be addressed and will be different in each person. Chronic Infection requires the use of anti-microbial medications which can be both herbal and pharmaceutical depending on the patient. Recovery from TBD is often a gradual process that requires a layered and personalized approach. The goals is not only to reduce microbial burden but to restore the body’s resilience, regulate inflammation and support healthy lifestyle patterns.