How Mast Cell Activation Disorder and Histamine Intolerance May Be Affecting Your Recovery From Lyme Disease

When Infection Triggers an Auto-Inflammatory Reaction

Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne disease in the U.S. today with an estimated 329,000 Americans affected annually. Studies have shown that anywhere from 10-60% of patients who are treated with a standard course of antibiotics for Lyme Disease, will have continuing, sometimes debilitating symptoms. The CDC calls this chronic condition "Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome" (PTLDS). There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates the reason for this condition may be due to an undiagnosed co-infection (like babesia bartonella, ehrlichia or anaplasma)[1] and/or treatment resistant Lyme bacteria, also known as persistent infection. (see my prior post on Lyme Persisters) The other possibility is that the infection triggers a dysfunction within the immune system. This can lead to an autoimmune or auto-inflammatory disease separate from or in addition to the infection. In this post I will be exploring how Lyme Disease can trigger an auto-inflammatory reaction through Mast Cell Activation.

The Latest Research in Lyme Disease Treatment

Note: I will be using this page to catalog the most recent published science in Lyme Disease treatment. I will be updating as new research becomes available so check back often.
<<Skip to "New Drugs and New Drug Combinations" below for the latest on Lyme treatment. >>

In my previous post I give a detailed background on Borrelia Burgdorferi persister cells and why many researchers now feel the only way to eradicate Late Stage (disseminated) or persistent Lyme Disease (PTLDS) is through the use of multi-drug combinations like they do for Tuberculosis and Leprosy.