Lyme Disease is the fastest spreading vector borne disease in the world. It is becoming obvious that the ticks and other insects that may spread the Lyme bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi, Bb) and other infections, know no boundaries. The ticks that carry Lyme disease and numerous co-infections, are very hardy and their area of habitat is not just limited to New England. Ticks are able to withstand varied climatic conditions.
Numerous patients are being told that the ticks that spread Lyme disease just do not live in their state and as a result doctors are saying there is very little chance that the patient's problems could be due to Lyme disease. Many times the coinfections are not even discussed. However, these seem to play just as important of a role in causing disease as Bb. Some researchers feel that perhaps the many different co-infections, such as babesia, erlichia, bartonella, mycoplasma, certain viruses, etc, may work in synergy with each other to cause the complex disease we call chronic Lyme.
So, despite the denial that Lyme does not exist in certain states, there have been confirmed reports of Lyme disease in just about every state, including Texas. There are no tick border patrols. The incidence of autoimmune diseases and other chronic conditions seems to be escalating in proportion to the infection/coinfection epidemic.
Vast numbers of people with Lyme and other co-infections are being misdiagnosed with nonspecific labels such as Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson's, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and many others. All of these disease labels only describe the symptoms, not the cause. Most of these disease labels have no known definitive tests, causes or cures, only symptomatic treatments........Read More http://www.publichealthalert.org/Articles/marjorietietjen/lyme%20disease%20unraveling.html
It is true that articles and studies have shown that Borrelia can be detected in patients and animal models after antibiotic treatment. But some medical researchers have said that lingering or persistent Borrelia does not consititute "Chronic Lyme Disease" because it is not replicating and therefore is not an active infection.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your take on this? Why are doctors making this distinction in labeling a diagnosis?
Dear Lyme Disease Sentinel:
ReplyDeleteWhat is the current estimated medical costs due to chronic lyme syndrome?
What is the prevalence rate of chronic lyme syndrome?
What states are the most prevalent for incidences of Lyme?
How much money is being allocated toward Lyme Research?
What is the state of Lyme Research (i.e., what are the focus of the major projects?)
These are definitely questions that need looking into. Many of your questions though are difficult to answer. Independant studies or research polls need to be conducted as many states are not keeping accurate track of the disease.
ReplyDeleteI feel that much more focus should be put on the routes of transmission of the disease. It appears that no research is being done in this area, which may be allowing the disease to pass through the population
Yes, it's true that studies have shown persistent infection despite what is considered adequate antibiotic treatment. I think that we need to consider...among other things....that borrelia burgdorferi also releases toxins which can cause ongoing symptoms
ReplyDelete