| This PDE identifies, analyzes and evaluates the theory and science behind the techniques used most often by health professionals and patients to diagnosis and treat chronic Lyme Disease (LD). The methodology is synthesis research which triangulates qualitative and quantitative data sources. LD is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is generally transmitted by a tick. Unlike other bacterial infections, LD fails to meet the criteria of Koch's postulates. Co-infections are often present, too. Although the primary complaints tend to be arthritic and neurologic, many other symptoms are possible, which is the reason LD has been called "the great imitator." LD is rarely fatal, but it can cause significant physical, mental and social disability. For these reasons, LD presents unique diagnostic difficulties for conventionally trained physicians. The first diagnostic test should be the Western Blot, which detects antibodies. If the Western Blot is positive, other useful confirming tests are the CD57 (an indirect marker of LD), the Lyme Dot Blot Assay (which detects antigens), The Polymerase Chain Reaction test, and the SPECT scan. A commonly used but inaccurate test is the ELISA. A kryptopyrrole test should be done to rule out abnormal pyrroles. The FISH test for babesiosis (a parasitical disease) and the FACT test for neurotoxins may also be done. For traditional treatment, long-term antibiotics are often effective but may entail significant side effects. The most promising alternative therapies include the Rife machine (which imparts a therapeutic electrical current), oxygen therapies (including hyperbaric oxygen and ozone therapy), saunas, apitherapy (therapeutic bee venom) and homeopathy. A more aggressive but riskier program might utilize intracellular hyperthermia (raising internal temperature to kill bacteria) or insulin potentiation therapy (manipulating insulin levels to better utilize drugs.) A significant obstacle to treatment is the herx, which is a temporary treatment-induced exacerbation of symptoms. A survey by the author found that 75% of LD patients used alternative medical treatments. On average, 73% of those users reported a benefit from the treatment while 4% reported harmful effects. Research is needed in all areas of the diagnosis and treatment of LD, especially outcome studies of various treatment protocols. |
