Lyme Disease Cure in Baltimore, Maryland

Tickborne Co-infections

Ticks are dirty creatures. Microscopic examination of their intestinal contents reveals many germs. Some can cause human and or animal diaeases, while others have not yet been found to cause human or animal diseases. Tick bites can be associated with staph and strep infections, just like other cuts in the skin.

Importantly, thee are a number of other infections ticks can transmit to humans. The bad news is that they can cause severe medical illnesses and if not promptly treated can cause death. The good news is that they are much more easily and reliably diagnosed than Lyme disease, and generally respond well to oral antibiotic treatment. We will briefly review these diseases and their treatment.

Babesia - Babesia microti is a Malaria-like parasite that lives upon the red blood cell. Unlike Malaria, Babesia does not reside in the liver. Diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood PCR. Symptons include hectic fevers, sweats and chills usually within a week or so after infection. In severe cases the organism can kill its host's red blood cells causing hemolysis. This organism can be eradicated by the individual's immune system. Some cases that are severe or persist for more than a few weeks can be treated successfully with usually a two-drug oral combination.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMLF) - Rickettsia rickettsiae is a microorganism smaller than a bacteria yet larger than a virus. Diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood PCR. Symptoms include high fevers, headaches, and rapid deterioration associated with small red spots all over the body usually within a week or so after infection. These spots are actually small hemorrhages (burst blood vessels). While this is occurring on the skin it is also occurring in internal organs including the brain. This causes overwhelming mini strokes leading to rapid brain death if not promptly treated. The germ is extremely sensitive to oral doxycycline, which can lead to rapid improvement and complete cure.

Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE, Anaplasma) - This is similar to Rocky Mountain Fever, without the spots. Diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood PCR. Treatment is similar. If untreated it can also lead to death, yet treatment also leads to rapid improvement and complete cure.

Bartonella - Bartonella henselae has been cited as the causative agent of Cat Scratch Fever, but also has been shown to cause a complex of fatigue, pain, unusual skin lesions, and neurocognitive difficulties. Diagnosis can be made through a blood PCR. Treatment consists of oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or quanalone drugs such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.

If you would like more detailed general information about accurate diagnosis or treatment of Lyme disease or other tick borne diseases at no obligation, please do not hesitate calling out center during the week, Monday through Thursday. A qualified member of our staff will assist you.

The Haverford Wellness Center under the direction of Domenic Braccia D.O.is dedicated to the accurate diagnosis and reasonable treatment of Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases. Dr. Braccia and the staff ot the Haverford Wellness Center are fully equipped and capable of managing all aspects of Lyme disease and the other tick borne diseases from prevention and management of early disease to the most complex diagnostic and therapeutic cases. These cases include treatment failures, and late stage Lyme disease patients who have been ill for many years.