Chapter 5: Discussion and Summary

[Rebecca]

Chapter 5: Lyme and Other Co-Infections: Parasitic, Viral, and Fungal Infections

Chapter 5 Discussion Questions:

1. If both candida and leaky gut are common with MSIDS patients, and the overall general US population, are you finding the resources and support needed to make appropriate lifestyle changes to support treatment and remission?

2. Have you or someone you know failed antibiotic treatment for Lyme? Do you feel that one of the bacterial, parasitic, viral or fungal co-infections Dr. Horowitz discussed in chapters 4 and 5 may be causing symptoms to persist?


Chapter 5 Summary:

• In this chapter Dr. Horowitz reviews common tick-borne parasitic, viral, and fungal infections reviewing symptoms and treatment options.

o Parasitic: Babesia
• Babesia is a malaria-like organism that is carried by the same ticks that transmit Lyme. It is the most common tick borne protozoal parasite and there are hundreds of species. Like bacteria co-infections, these additional parasitic infections can cause symptoms to persist even after adequate Lyme treatment has finished and exacerbate a current Lyme infection.
• Classic symptoms range from day sweats, night sweats, chills, fever, cough and air hunger. Malaria and Babesia share the same set of symptoms.
• Studies are showing evidence of a worldwide epidemic. Babesia is transmitted through the zoonotic cycle, infected blood supply and from mother to fetus.
• Diagnosing Babesia is particularly difficult. Testing is incredible inaccurate. Dr. H recommends using titers (IFA) as well as DNA (PCR) and FISH (an RNA probe) testing. Especially when standard Giemsa stains and IFAs are negative.
• Treatment includes an antiparasitic drug called Mepron or Malarone if caught early. Dr. H discuses all the combination protocols on pages 148-149 and again on pages 151-154 where he discusses the use of artemisinin, Beta-Blockers, curcumin, heparin, Stephania root, and cryptolepis as well.
• Very serious outcomes can occur for the young and old and patients who are immunocompromised. According to Dr. H, Babesia “is one of the most tenacious and dangerous co-infections.”

o Viral Infections
 There are many viral infections that can affect a MSIDS patient and are quite common. Because viruses do not respond to antibiotics, these infections may also explain patients who fail standard protocols.
 More research needs to be done is the role of viruses in driving chronic disease. These are the four Dr. H commonly tests for:
• Epstein-Barr
• Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• West Nile
 Dr. H looks to integrative therapies for viable treatment options. He is currently doing a trial on the use of Byron White Formulas and seeing some positive results. Colostrum, Olive leaf extract and mushroom derivatives have known scientific efficacy against viruses.

o Fungal Infections
 Candida, a microbial imbalance in the gut is common in most Americans and should be suspected in any MSIDS patient.
 Symptoms include; blood sugar swings, depression, dizziness, fatigue, fungal infections of the nails, gas and bloating, headaches, itiching and other skin problems, mood swings, muscle and joint pain (that does not migrate), poor digestion, poor memory, rashes, thrush in the mouth and vaginitis.
 Patients can also present with leaky gut where the intestinal wall is damaged leading to food intolerance and allergies. If a patient tests positive for both IgE and IgG, both Candida and Leaky Gut should be considered.
 Nystatin is a common prescription for both men and women. Dietary modifications including eliminating malt, vinegar, simple sugars and carbohydrates, as well as yeast containing foods and mushrooms are key. Because this diet is hard to adhere to for some patients, Diflucan can also used.
 Natural antifungals such as caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, bererine, and oregano oil can also be helpful. When combined with a powerful probiotic, gut health can be restored.
 Saccharomyces boulardii, a type of beneficial yeast, is given to prevent diarrhea for both antibiotic-associated and Clostridium difficile.

o Morgellons Disease
 An unusual skin syndrome characterized by unusual skin wounds that appear to have fibers and specks coming out from the lesions; itching or crawling feelings under the skin.
 The cause is still unknown; it is thought to be due in part to several types of infections (bacterial, parasitic and fungal). There are no available tests to make the diagnosis.
 Dr. H has had success treating patients with tetracyclines, macrolides and quinolone drugs.

[Rebecca]

I think I was lucky that long prior to my MSIDS diagnosis, my doctors led me down a path towards healthy living. Starting me out on an AIP type diet, it has taken me almost 2 years to become efficient in my new lifestyle. It simply took a long time to figure everything out. I literally had to research every single food purchase I made, and it was exhausting at times. That said, I am so very thankful that I did put in all of that time and effort. More recently I have also removed commercial cleaning products from my home along with beauty products to reduce my toxin exposure.

This chapter was a good reminder that it takes more than antibiotics to find health.

[Vicki]

Hahaha, I actually had candida before this. So I imagine what my candida must be like now. Right now I'm taking berberine, olive leaf extract, three different probiotics including saccaromyces boulardii, and Nystatin. It's crazy.

[Vicki]

Re: less toxic beauty products
I think I should buy stock in Alima Pure. I haven't even counted how many of their eyeshadows I have. And I stocked up on the foundation. Before was officially diagnosed with Lyme in 2013, I came down with a million skin afflictions, including rosacea and allergic contact dermatitis. I had great skin before the Lyme messed with my immune system!

[Vicki]

*I misspelled "saccharomyces boulardii." Deborah, pretend you didn't notice. :-)

[Vicki]

Rebecca, thanks again for the great outline.

[Vicki]

Another scary thing--in addition to the coinfections, there are several new variations of borrelia. I don't even know if it is possible to test for them or if they are like miyamotoi and impossible to test for. Makes me never want to go outside. :-/
http://www.lymeneteurope.org/forum/vi...

[Rebecca]

I had candida and leaky gut prior to Lyme, but even after a year and a half on AIP my gut was still a mess. Four months into Lyme and Bart treatment, along with two months of Nystatin and Diflucan, my GI symptoms are the best they have ever been!

[Rebecca]

I know... it's hard to want to embrace nature as you learn more about this stuff. Gives me the creepy crawlies!

[Vicki]

Haha, we can't win. If we live in a city, there are more environmental toxins. If we live in the country, there are more ticks. The more I learn about ticks, the more terrified I get. I had mild OCD before (Lyme-induced?) but NOW? Aaargh.
Diflucan and Nystatin together? Interesting. I'm glad your gut is better! I will ask my doc about that.
I need to do the AIP. I have been unable to give up brown rice, rice milk, and almond milk. Also, I have an omelet every two weeks or so and occasional nuts as a snack.

[Rebecca]

Yea, the hardcore diet is an emotional commitment more than a physical one. I replaced a lot of stuff with coconut milk, which now I like better.

Oh and I know the Diflucan can't be taken together with some of the Bartonella drugs like Rifampin.