Lyme & Tick Borne Disease
Lyme / Tick Borne Disease - Spirochete protocol
Understanding Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses
Lyme disease is a type of tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (and in some cases, Borrelia mayonii). It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. Lyme disease is the most well-known tick-borne illness, but there are several others that can result from tick bites, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How Does Tick-Borne Disease Develop?
Ticks become carriers of infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, when they feed on infected animals. Once infected, the tick can transmit the pathogen to humans during a bite. The risk of infection increases if the tick remains attached for 36–48 hours or longer.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease often progresses through stages and may present with a variety of symptoms:
Early Localized Stage (3–30 days after tick bite):
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Erythema migrans (bull's-eye rash): A circular or oval-shaped rash at the bite site. It may expand over time and is a hallmark of Lyme disease.
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Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and joint pain.
Early Disseminated Stage (weeks to months after bite):
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Multiple erythema migrans rashes on the body.
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Neurological symptoms, such as facial palsy (weakness or drooping on one side of the face), meningitis-like symptoms, or numbness in limbs.
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Heart-related symptoms, including irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis).
Late Disseminated Stage (months to years after bite):
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Chronic joint pain and swelling, often in the knees.
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Neurological issues, such as cognitive difficulties, memory problems, or neuropathy.
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Fatigue and continued musculoskeletal pain.
Other Tick-Borne Diseases
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Anaplasmosis:
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Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
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Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, and gastrointestinal issues.
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Babesiosis:
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Caused by Babesia parasites, which infect red blood cells.
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Symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills, and anemia.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF):
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Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii.
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Symptoms include high fever, rash, severe headache, muscle pain, and nausea.
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Diagnosis of Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, symptoms, and exposure to tick habitats. For Lyme disease, diagnostic tools may include:
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Physical examination: Checking for erythema migrans or other symptoms.
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Blood tests: Antibody tests such as ELISA and Western blot confirm exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi.
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Specialized tests: PCR testing to detect bacterial DNA in blood or joint fluid (used in specific cases).
Treatment of Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses
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Early Lyme disease: Treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime for 10–21 days.
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Disseminated or late-stage Lyme disease: Requires a longer course of oral or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the severity and symptoms.
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Symptomatic care: Addressing joint pain, fatigue, and other long-term effects may involve physical therapy or pain management strategies.
For other tick-borne diseases, treatment often includes antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline for anaplasmosis and RMSF) or antiparasitic medications (e.g., atovaquone for babesiosis).
Prevention Tips
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Avoid tick habitats, especially wooded and grassy areas, during peak tick seasons (spring and summer).
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Wear long clothing and use insect repellents containing DEET or permethrin.
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Perform daily tick checks on yourself, children, and pets.
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Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers to minimize the risk of infection.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience symptoms such as rash, fever, muscle aches, or fatigue after a tick bite or spending time in tick-infested areas, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Early treatment is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery.
Lyme Disease is the most prevalent tick borne disease in the United States.
We are leaders in the field of Intravenous Polychromatic Light Therapy, a therapy proven to work in tick born disease. IV Polychromatic Light Therapy allows selective targeting and recruitment of specific areas of the immune system to (1) upregulate immune cells needed to destroy pathogens as well as (2) downregulate the immune system to minimize the “Herxheimer reaction”, a common detoxification reaction that occurs as the bacteria die off.
We understand that tick born diseases can mimic the symptoms of many neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. If you have tick born disease mimicking ALS, MS or any other neurodegenerative disease, we can help.
We use a four step scientifically developed alternative approach to help people get well:
Step 1: Intravenous Polychromatic Light Therapy
Blood that is treated with Polychromatic UV Light
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Reduces virus and bacterial load
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Increases capabilities for oxygenation, by activating the 2,3, DPG enzyme system, which increases oxygen from the heme complex into the tissues
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Enhances mitochondrial energy
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Stimulates lymphatic detoxification by the restoration of functional chylomicron Brownian movement within the blood
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Activates NAD+ & immune cells such as NK Cells, neutrophils and macrophages, and assists in the balancing of cytokine production which aids in the destruction of various microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
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Reduces cytotoxic immune cells such as NK cells
Step 2: Antimicrobial Strategy
We use either (1) pulsed short-course intravenous antibiotics or (2) natural antimicrobial agents and biofilm disrupters (for individuals who have contraindication or prefer not to use antibiotics) to break the infection capsule. This exposes the bacteria so the immune system can recognize it and mount an immunologic response in the form of antibodies that allows for a positive test. This is necessary to identify the specific virus or bacteria and required for SOT development.
The reason most patients fail a traditional antibiotic-only treatment is due to the cyst or biofilm formed around the bacteria that renders antibiotics ineffective. This cyst or capsule prevents the immune system from recognizing the organism or making antibodies to it which is one of the primary reasons for false negatives when tested for LD.
Daily oral antibiotics (prescription or natural) can harm the gastrointestinal tract and weaken the immune system, they should be used if needed, however, pulsed short-course IV antibiotics in combination with IV Polychromatic Light Therapy eliminates the pitfalls and side effects of oral treatment. Although IV antibiotics are our preferred method, we offer an oral antibiotic provocation protocol and home test kit for individuals who are not able to come to our center.
Step 3: Neuron Support
As a Center of Excellence in Neurodegenerative Disorders, we are very aware of the damage that these infections can cause in nervous and immune systems. For this reason, we employ multiple neuron-protecting and immune supporting IV therapies during this time.
Step 4: SOT / Antisense Therapy
Molecular treatment to inhibit bacteria replication (see Molecular Medicine)
If you need more information, please call us at 305-901-5888