Lyme & Spirochete Disease

Lyme disease is a highly controversial and difficult disease to diagnose (Dx) and treat (Rx). It has been "endemic" in the northern latitudes, both in North America and Europe and is spreading. It is similar to malaria in Africa—the only options might be lifetime prevention or lifetime treatment. While the debate continues, people need help. Most authors agree upon several facts and principles, which are summarized below.

In many cases, the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme can be straight-forward. The patient is outdoors, finds a tick on their body (or not), and then develops a "bullseye" rash and flu-like symptoms. The primary care doctor makes a diagnosis based on the rash (the blood test may not at first turn positive) and prescribes antibiotics for a few weeks.

However, as listed in the Factoid box, there is more to the story.

To prove the presence of an infectious agent, either the agent itself, or an immune reaction to that specific agent must be detected. With Lyme, both methods have limitations.

The organism is difficult to capture and grow in a lab. It has the ability to change its outer protein coat, therefore hiding from the immune system.

Diagnosis of acute Lyme requires 2 of 3 IgM bands on the Western Blot test. The IgG test, which cannot distinguish past from chronic Lyme requires 11 out of 14 bands. These criteria are somewhat arbitrary. In addition, immunological reagents used by labs vary, even when licensing criteria are met. It’s like the difference between brand and generic drugs—in most cases it does not make a difference, but for some it does.

At the end of the day, if the immune system is compromised by the Lyme organism itself, or other factors, there may not be a reaction of sufficient quantity to detect the IgM or IgG bands.

Which antibiotics to use, and for how long, also remains controversial. If treatment begins immediately after the tick bite, a few weeks of a single antibiotic may suffice. However, once the organism has burrowed deeply into joints or brain, protracted courses of multiple IV antibiotics for as long as six months may or may not work. Such antibiotic use also changes the gut, the overall ecology of the body, and modulates the immune, hormonal and neurological systems, at the least. Therefore a positive or negative reaction to antibiotics is difficult to interpret.

1. Follow established guidelines to protect yourself and family from ticks—if outdoors, use protective clothing and examine the whole body afterward.

2. Consider adding protective herbs and immune system support before and after any prolonged outdoor activities.

3. Any signs of acute or chronic Lymes, particularly in this endemic area, should be taken very seriously. This includes unexplained rashes, fatigue, joint aches, neurological symptoms, change in emotions or personality, etc.

4. Certain populations should be tested annually including: children who are outdoors often, women considering pregnancy, people with dysfunctional or compromised immune systems, including those with autoimmune disease.

5. Do not rely solely on lab tests to make a diagnosis, especially if a person has been previously diagnosed and treated.

6. Holistic methods can enhance immune function, and therefore prevention and recovery. Working with a knowledgeable holistic practitioner can help interpret and balance the subjective and objective.