By Richard Malik, ND
As published in two parts in the Lakeville Journal, Millerton News, & Winsted Journal
25 May 2006 & 29 June 2006

Lyme disease is an infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The symptoms of Lyme disease can be diverse because the infection can affect numerous organ systems. The most characteristic sign is an expanding bulls-eye rash that clears in the middle as it grows (this is called erythema migrans). Unfortunately, as few as half of the people with Lyme disease exhibit this sign. Other common symptoms include fever, fatigue and malaise; joint pain and inflammation; muscle aches; enlargement of the lymph nodes; and neurological symptoms. The neurological symptoms can be diverse and include Bell’s palsy (paralysis of a nerve that supplies the muscles of the face); headache; neck stiffness; problems with memory and concentration; muscle twitching; lightheadedness; and even depression. The heart, eye or other organs may also be affected.

Lyme disease is usually contracted from the bite of a tick that is infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The tick needs to be attached and feeding for at least 24 hours before the infection can be transmitted, according to most guidelines. If an infected tick is attached for 48 hours, the rate of infection is only about 12%. The infection rate climbs to about 71% if an infected tick is attached for 72 hours. It is possible, but very rare, for the infection to be transmitted in as little as 4 hours after attachment of an infected tick.

Even though Connecticut is an endemic region for Lyme disease and has among the highest rates of human infection in the U.S., the annual reported rate of infection in the state is only about 0.053%. This means that only 1 in 1,900 Connecticut residents get infected each year. Some Lyme experts believe that the true incidence of Lyme disease may be as much as 10 times greater than the reported number. In this worst case scenario, the Connecticut incidence of Lyme disease would be no greater than 1 in 190 people, annually.

Unfortunately, there is disagreement in the medical community on how to diagnosis and treat Lyme disease.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, objective physical findings (such as erythema migrans, facial palsy, or arthritis), and a history of possible exposure to infected ticks.” The CDC goes on to recommend blood tests to support the diagnosis of Lyme disease. These tests detect antibodies to the bacterium.

On the other hand, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) states: “Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis and tests should be used to support rather than supersede the physician’s judgment.” In contrast to the CDC, ILADS states that “there is no definitive test for Lyme disease and laboratory results should not be used to exclude an individual from treatment.”

Although conflicting on the application and interpretation of antibody tests, both guidelines agree on two points: 1) the diagnosis of Lyme disease requires clinical signs and/or symptoms of Lyme disease and that the antibody tests can be positive even in the absence of disease; and 2) before a final diagnosis of Lyme disease can be made, other possible causes of the patient’s complaints have been considered and ruled out.

The first step in preventing Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Common sense measures to prevent bites include avoidance of tick-infested vegetation; wearing long sleeves and long pants; tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks; wearing a hat; and wearing tightly woven clothing. It is also important to check for ticks at least once a day while bathing or undressing. These steps are sometimes practical and sometimes impossible to follow.

Insect repellents are another line of defense in Lyme prevention. The active ingredient in most insect repellents is DEET. Most people don’t notice any adverse effects from using DEET.

However, Mohamed Abou-Donia, PhD, a professor of neurobiology and pharmacology at Duke University warns that “DEET should be used with caution due to its possible damaging effects on brain cells.” Studies have shown that DEET can cause death of brain cells and exposure may result in neurological symptoms including memory loss, weakness, fatigue, tremors, and shortness of breath. Other reactions may include rashes, fever, blistering, and muscle spasms. Children are especially sensitive to DEET and to chemicals that harm brain and nerve cells. Do not use DEET on children younger than 2 months; use it cautiously on older children.

Fortunately, there is a natural alternative to DEET that is both safe and effective. The United States Center for Disease Control now recommends Repel® as an effective insect repellent. Repel® is a DEET-free product that contains Lemon Eucalyptus oil as the active ingredient. The manufacturer of Repel® claims it is proven to be effective repelling deer ticks.

Repel® can be purchased in stores or online. The scientific name for Lemon Eucalyptus is Eucalyptus citriodora. You can purchase the essential oil from this fragrant plant at local health food stores. Apply it to exposed skin and at the collar, cuffs, and other openings in clothing. Essential oils can cause skin reactions, so apply them cautiously the first time.

One of the effective treatments for Lyme Disease is antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, vaginal yeast infection, and a general malaise. These symptoms are often due to the effect antibiotics have on the natural bacterial flora of the intestines.

Beneficial intestinal bacteria help us digest our food, produce essential vitamins, and help to control the numbers of disease causing bacteria in the intestines. Antibiotics indiscriminately kill most of the bacteria in the intestines and leave us more susceptible to fungal or yeast overgrowth.

Therefore, I recommend using a potent probiotic supplement during, but especially after, antibiotic therapy. The probiotic reintroduces healthy bacteria to the digestive system and helps to control fungal overgrowth. Antifungal plants including goldenseal and the oils of thyme, rosemary, and sage can help prevent fungal overgrowth if taken during antibiotic therapy.

Be aware that herbs can interfere with antibiotic absorption, so take them at different times. Severe rash, seizures and fever may be signs of antibiotic induced hypersensitivity. If these side effects occur, see a physician.