Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

Understanding Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is the #1 vector-borne disease in the United States and ranks as the #2 infectious disease overall, following Chlamydia. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their risk and the impact this disease can have on their health.

A retrospective study of Lyme disease patients revealed concerning statistics related to overall health:

72% had immune deficiencies
76% had nutritional deficiencies
72% had mold co-infections
85% had toxic metals detected
97.5% had endocrine disorders
98% experienced sleep disorders
41.5% had autonomic disorders

The Challenge of Diagnosis

At our integrative medicine practice, we prioritize advanced, in-depth testing for Lyme disease and its commonly seen co-infections as part of your comprehensive blood work. It’s important to note that traditional lab testing for Lyme disease is widely regarded as insensitive and inaccurate. Because of this, Lyme disease is often diagnosed clinically, as endorsed by the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).

As a member of ILADS, Julianne is a specially trained clinician who understands the intricacies of testing and treating Lyme disease from broad, integrative approaches. This allows her to provide a more comprehensive understanding and care for those affected by this complex illness.

Late Disseminated Lyme disease (Stage 3)

If left untreated, Lyme disease can disseminate throughout the body, potentially leading to severe symptoms months or even years after the initial infection. These symptoms may include:

Arthritis: Joint pain and inflammation
Nervous System Dysfunction: Numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the hands, feet, or back
Cognitive Issues: Frequent headaches, migraines, memory problems, and vision issues
Chronic Fatigue: Debilitating tiredness that affects daily activities
Mood and Sleep Disorders: Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
Autoimmune Conditions: Increased inflammation and immune system dysfunction

Misdiagnosis of Lyme Disease

Misdiagnosis of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions due to overlapping symptoms, including:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Multiple Sclerosis

These conditions share symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues. Lyme disease can also be mistaken for other illnesses, including migraines, anxiety/depression, and various autoimmune disorders. In its early stages, Lyme disease can even mimic a viral infection like the flu, especially when the characteristic rash is absent.

Common Lyme Co-Infections

Research indicates that 64% of individuals with Lyme disease also suffer from co-infections, which can complicate treatment and recovery. Common co-infections include:

Anaplasmosis: Caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Babesiosis: Caused by the parasite Babesia microti.
Ehrlichiosis: Caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia species.
Bartonella: Caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae or other Bartonella species.
Powassan Virus: A tick-borne virus.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.

Misconceptions About Tick Bites

It’s crucial to understand that less than 20% of all tick bite rashes exhibit the classic “bull’s-eye” appearance. Additionally, less than 30% of U.S. patients with Lyme disease recall having a tick bite, further complicating diagnosis.

Traditional Lyme testing is designed with reduced sensitivity, meaning it often misses many infections. While these tests can support a diagnosis, they do not definitively rule out Lyme disease.

Why Choose Our Practice?

We are dedicated to providing comprehensive care through advanced testing and integrative treatment options. Our approach focuses on understanding the whole person and addressing the underlying factors contributing to Lyme disease and its co-infections.

If you suspect you may have Lyme disease or are experiencing related symptoms, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Together, we can navigate your path to optimal health.