Inside Lyme Podcast with Dr. Daniel Cameron
You are listening to a show dedicated to discussing actual cases. Dr. Cameron has been treating adolescents and adults with Lyme disease and related tick-borne infections for more than 30 years. The advice given is general and not intended as specific advice as to any particular patient. If you require specific advice, you will need to seek that advice from an experienced professional.
Inside Lyme Podcast with Dr. Daniel Cameron
Have you considered a persistent tick-borne infection?
Persistent Tick-Borne Infection
A patient came to me with Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) after completing a four-week course of treatment for Lyme disease. Despite the treatment, she continued to suffer from headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory problems, and joint or muscle pain. She was diagnosed with PTLDS, and her condition was largely dismissed as a chronic immune response.
Initially, she believed that PTLDS was purely an immune response. However, she didn't know that PTLDS could also be caused by a persistent tick-borne infection. After a year of living with PTLDS, she was treated for Lyme disease and a co-infection with Babesia using a combination of Zithromax and Malarone. This treatment resolved her PTLDS symptoms.
History and Debate:
The medical community has long debated the nature of chronic Lyme disease. In 2000, some doctors published guidelines that questioned the existence of chronic Lyme disease as a distinct condition, leading many to believe there was no evidence supporting chronic Lyme disease.
In contrast, in 2004, I collaborated with colleagues in the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) to publish guidelines affirming the existence of chronic Lyme disease. Despite this, the debate continues, with doctors divided over the existence and causes of chronic Lyme disease.
Current Perspectives:
Some doctors now acknowledge that Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can lead to chronic conditions, referring to it as Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). However, they often describe PTLDS as resulting from an immunologic process, without being informed of the possibility of a persistent infection.
Clinical Observations:
In my practice, I've seen patients with PTLDS who improved after being treated for persistent infections. This suggests that in some cases, ongoing symptoms may be due to an unresolved tick-borne infection rather than solely an immune response.
Conclusion:
The case of my patient, who found relief through additional treatment for persistent Lyme disease and a co-infection, highlights the importance of considering persistent infections in patients with PTLDS. While the medical community remains divided, it's crucial to explore all potential causes of chronic symptoms to provide the best care for patients.