Mycoplasma, Lyme

[patsy10]

I developed 3 bullseye rashes in 1992.  Approx. 6 months later I developed severe neurologic, MS-like symptoms , rashes, fevers, elevated liver enzymes, generalized twitching, visual problems, joint and muscle pain, paresthesias, limb weakness and more.  I had a few months of oral treatment for possible lyme though tests results were negative. I recovered finally after about 5 years.  I was nearly normal for about 7 years and it all hit again 4 years ago.  Again I recovered somewhat from antibiotics, particulary doxy.  I am left with severe stiffness, pain twitching, muscle weakness, paresthesias, joint pain.  I have had MS ruled out multiple times.

My question is do you think it is possible this is mycoplasma and not chronic lyme?  And if so exactly what test should I ask my doctor for to test for mycoplasma?

My IgM Lyme test through Igenex showed 30+, 39, 41 IND.

Thank you for your time and expertise.

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

It is certainly possible that you had Mycoplasma, such as M. fermentans, M. pneumoniae or M. hominis.  M. fermentans is the most common co-infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in Lyme Disease, and it can be found in ticks with or without Borrelia.  It can cause all of the generalized symptoms found in Lyme Disease and certainly all of the symptoms that you listed, and more.  Mycoplasma species are difficult to test for, and this usually requires a PCR test on blood leukocytes (white blood cells).  Only a few commercial labs, such as VIP Labs of Reno, know how to test for Mycoplasma infections, and even labs that are very good at Lyme testing, such as Igenex Labs, can’t do the Mycoplasma testing.   It is also a possibility that you actually have Lyme Borrelia, but the testing was not sufficient to find it.  Usually multiple tests are required to find Lyme Borrelia, and many commercial labs that claim they can test for Lyme Borrelia do not use optimal testing procedures, and thus their test results are not all that good, and they miss positives in many patients.

[CindiJ1]

A related discussion, lymphocytic vasculitis was started.

[patsy10]

You can find information regarding lyme in the Lyme forum.  Also look at the health pages there.

The ELISA is a very poor and unreliable test.  It is about 40% accurate according to what I have read.  The western blot is more accurate.  You may want to see a doctor that specializes in treating lyme disease.  This way you can get an good evaluation and accurate diagnosis either way.

Do you live in a lyme endemic state?

I did not have any lesions but also had a tick bite, bullseye rash,  MS-like symptoms and was told from a major, well known facility that they had "no idea" what was wrong with my central nervous system.

[skf64305]

I am 18 years old and was generally in good health.  I was recently diagnosed with optic neuritis and hospitalized for steroid treatment and spinal tap. I've had MRI's of the brain,and spinal cord. 5-6 scattered lesions on the brain only. Spinal fluid tested negative for lymes and MS. I was tested a year ago for lyme ( elisa)and was negative. The Neurology department is calling it a mystery. I have had tick bites a couple of years ago with no known rash or bulls eye. They hospital says no antibiotic treatment needed. I believe its Borrelia burgdorferi and that there is really no difinitive testing as many people have LD and have tested negative especially when reading that spinal fluid testing for Ld is only 50% accurate. Isn't it better to be pro active in this situation with antibiotic treatment knowing the testing limitations or is this something else.

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

In most cases, yes, but it's a good idea to mention this to her physician, or better yet her naturopathic doctor (ND).  In fact, we have been recommending certain herbal supplements that boost the immune system as well as others that inhibit intracellular bacteria (such as Borrelia, Mycoplasma, etc.) for years with good results (but they don't seem to be able to replace antibiotics for most patients).  However, a few patients adversely react to certain herbals, possibly because of allergic reactions, so it is important to closely monitor patients' symptoms.

[Karen911]

My daughter has had lyme for 5 years.  She is taking IM shots of Bicillin once a week.  She has been on this for 6 weeks.  Is it safe to ad Semento herbal drops to her daily "health" routine?

[Garth L Nicolson, PhD]

There are alternative antibiotics that can be used to replace doxycycline.  See publication #2 under Treatment Considerations on our website, www.immed.org

Most patients have to change antibiotics at least once during long-term treatment for systemic mycoplasmal infections.  Recovery is slow and gradual, so don't expect a rapid recovery.  ProfGN

[Mary84]

I have been diagnosed with mycoplasm Pneumoniae and uveitis.I started with doxycycline 100 mg twice daily and Biaxin. After 2 months I begin to have some visual changes such as blurred vision, and light sensitivity and very dry eyes that appeared to be related to the Doxycycline. I also have been treated for overactive thyroid and all of this begin when I was taking Tapezole. I had an infection and the uvetis begin and fortunately was diagnosed months later by a alternative MD. Is there another drug that I can take along with the Biaxin. I did not talk to the doctor today, but his nurse said no.

Mary84