STUART — Lyme disease has been referred to as 'the great imitator' by many, due to its wide and varied manifestations, which can be confusing for sure. Commonly associated with the deer tick, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums and other animals often carry the same tick. That means that Lyme can be contracted anywhere, and not only the areas commonly associated with it, such as the northeast and midwest.

Lyme is normally associated with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, but ticks can also carry other bacteria and parasites that contribute to illness.

The CDC estimates more than 300,000 new cases of infection with Lyme per year, but because the symptoms are so varied and complex, people are often treated for other conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuralgia, arthritis and even neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.

Bacteria from Lyme have evolved in many cases to resist antibiotics designed to kill them, posing a challenge for successful treatment. Fortunately, there are effective protocols that have been developed for Lyme, utilizing antibacterials and antivirals that are non pharmaceutical (not antibiotics). Because of this, resistance by the bacteria to an antibiotic is not an issue.

Additionally, new testing can more effectively detect Lyme, thus leading to a logical approach to infection control and symptom reduction, and in many cases elimination of the infection. Once testing has been completed, taking into account the numerous effects on the body as a whole, therapies can be employed to restore function to the affected systems.

In summary, Lyme disease doesn't have to be the great imitator in a person's life. For those with persistent and unexplained symptoms that won't go away, this may be a welcome and new approach to improve the odds of reclaiming health and vitality.

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