Article by Diana Arundell

Lyme disease is an infectious bacterial disease also known as Lyme borreliosis. It is part of the spirochete family of bacteria and it can be transmitted via ticks.

The most common ticks found in Australia are the bush tick, brown dog tick and the paralysis tick with latter being responsible for most tick bites but not all ticks transmit Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is yet to be officially recognised in Australia however as suspected cases are on the rise, there are more physicians beginning to recognise and acknowledge the disease with a few even beginning to specialise in the treatment of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is also believed to be very under-reported as it can be easily mistaken for other illnesses such as flu, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and depression just to name a few. The Australian government is continuing to investigate the increasing incidence of tick borne diseases and associated research.

There are three stages of infection – the acute stage, the early disseminated stage and the chronic stage. The sooner the infection is treated, the better the success rate of resolution. If you experience a tick bite and have a rash or feel in any way unwell, go to a doctor familiar with Lyme disease as soon as possible as early treatment with antibiotics is crucial. Some statistics note that fewer than 50% of people with Lyme disease even recall a tick bite which makes it even more difficult to diagnose.

The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease vary between individuals due to variation in genospecies of borrelia and also possibly to the genetic predisposition, auto immune tendency and detoxification capabilities of the individual contracting the disease.  Some individuals may have 1 or 2 symptoms while others may be debilitated with a number of symptoms affecting different body systems. A rash may appear within days, weeks or months and can come and go and for some, may be the only sign of infection. For others not so lucky, the infection can affect their neurological system producing muscle twitches, headaches, dizziness, tingling and numbness. For others it affects their joints causing pain and swelling, for others their gastrointestinal tract is affected resulting in nausea, vomiting and bowel changes or the respiratory system can be affected causing shortness of breath. Reported psychological effects of infection with Lyme disease include disorientation and confusion.

Dr Muth a fertility specialist in the US believes that Lyme disease can contribute to infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and the combination of being pregnant and having Lyme disease may impact blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby. Dr Muth suspects up to 1/3 of her patients with Lyme disease are cases as a result of the disease being sexually transmitted and reports this as a potential area growing in research.

Chronic Lyme disease is certainly more complex to treat due to the immunosuppressive action of the bacteria. The virulent nature of a spirochete bacteria also means it has the ability to transmit through skin, blood vessels and cross the blood brain barrier as well as forming biofilms to defend against the host’s immune system.

Testing for Lyme disease is very difficult due to Australia still being considered as a non-endemic country for Lyme disease as well as the immunosuppressive effects of Borrelia which can lead to false negative results. Researchers are yet to identify Australian borrelia species which is required to observe specific genetic and antigen material.

One of the other problems with tick bites is that children and adults may not be aware that they have been bitten by a tick because not only can the insect be tiny, but the tick also injects local anaesthetic at the time of biting. Diligent checking of children is needed if they have been playing in bushy areas and of course prevention is the best option. Insect repellent can help deter ticks as well as tucking clothing in. Planting insect repelling plants such as lavender, sage, citronella and crysanthemums in the garden may also be helpful. Checking the body, head, ears, clothes and also checking pets for ticks is important both for the pet and for anyone the pet may sleep next to or come in close contact with.

Mammalian meat allergy is a separate illness related to tick bites but another one worth being aware of as it is also on the increase in bushy coastal areas such as the northern beaches of Sydney and the Central Coast.  The Australian government has recognised this disease and the increase in reported cases. Those that are affected by these tick bites will surprisingly become newly anaphylactic to mammalian meats and sometimes even to mammalian milk and gelatin. Those affected by mammalian meat allergy after a tick bite often have a significant reaction to the tick bite at the time.

If you suspect you have been exposed to Lyme disease it’s important find a medical professional that not only recognises the condition but ideally specialises in the treatment. More information about the treatment of Lyme disease can be found at International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society or ILADS.org and also at karlmcmanusfoundation.org.au.

Diana Arundell is a university-qualified naturopath and consults from her Avoca Naturopath clinic.
She has a special interest in fertility and pregnancy health, digestive health, immune function and family wellness programs. She was a nutrition lecturer at Macquarie University for 10years, and is an accredited Journey Practitioner.  www.avocanaturopath.com.au