Even Healthy People Are Full of Germs
We are filled with bacteria and viruses that live in us. These germs do not cause any problems because they are kept under control by the immune system. Based on my experience, it is not always necessary to target these infections in a Lyme and tick-borne diseases regimen with antibiotics or antivirals.
These common infections can include various kinds of mycoplasma and chlamydia bacteria. They also include viruses like the mono virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human Herpesvirus types 6 and 8 (HHV-6 and HHV-8), Parvovirus B-19, and Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV). Often in Lyme these infections are latent and not active at all. However, if physicians test for them, the antibodies or even DNA genetic material found by PCR testing method could be positive. These tests do not prove the germs are active or even causing any problems.
Marty Ross MD Discusses Common Infections in Lyme
This video was recorded during Conversations with Marty Ross MD.
Science and Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, & Viruses in Lyme
There is very limited science about the health effects of chronic chlamydia, mycoplasma, and viral infections in Lyme disease. From my review, it appears about five percent of healthy people have evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, or mycoplasma living in them. For EBV and HHV-6, nearly 90 percent of all people have positive testing as an adult. Likewise, CMV testing is positive in 60 percent of adults in the developed world.
Therefore, these so-called “Lyme disease co-infections” are very common infections that occur largely in healthy people. However, research by Garth Nicolson PhD suggests these infections, especially Chlamydia and mycoplasma, are found at higher rates in people with fatiguing illnesses compared to people without fatigue. It is possible these common infections that live in healthy people might contribute to the ongoing health problems in a person living with chronic Lyme disease.
An Approach to Chronic Virus Infections, Chlamydia & Mycoplasma in Lyme
First Fix The Immune System
As I point out above, positive testing for any of these infections does not prove they are causing a problem. At worst, suppressed by Lyme germs, it is likely the immune system is not able to keep these infections under control. Therefore, a regimen for these germs should include steps to boost the immune system.
This means:
- getting Lyme and the common high priority co-infections of Bartonella, Babesia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia under control;
- getting rid of yeast overgrowth in the intestines;
- getting sleep;
- lowering inflammation cytokines;
- balancing the adrenals and thyroid;
- using herbs to help the body deal with stress called adaptogens;
- doing basic detox; and
- eating a healthy diet.
For information about how to do this follow the first 12 steps in the Ross Lyme & Tick-borne Diseases Support Protocol. These steps are designed to kill the highest priority infections and to boost the immune system.
Based on my experience, this approach works about 90 percent of the time.
When to Target Viruses with Antivirals
When no overall improvement occurs after 6-9 months following the Ross Lyme Support Protocol, it is time to consider evaluating and addressing chronic viruses. For more information about when to address viruses and what to use to kill them, see Chronic Viruses: A Brief Guide.
When to target Chlamydia and Mycoplasma with Antibiotics
When a person manages Lyme or Bartonella using antibiotics that target Lyme living in cells (intracellular Lyme), they are also targeting Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. These intracellular antibiotics can include azithromycin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, rifampin, Otoba Bark, Cat’s Claw, Sida acuta, and houttuynia. For more information about these prescription and herbal antibiotics, see A Lyme Disease Antibiotic Guide and The Ultimate Bartonella Guide.
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