What is Lyme Disease - Dr Darin Ingles

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused primarily by Borrelia burgdorferi, which is most often transmitted through a tick bite. Symptoms can include a classic bulls-eye rash (called Erythema migrans rash), headaches, high fever, joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and tingling in extremities, Bell’s palsy, brain fog, memory problems, mood changes and dozens more. Lyme disease is called “The Great Imitator” and is often misdiagnosed since many of the symptoms are vague and resemble other illnesses.

Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the world with more than 400,000 new cases in the United States and 85,000 new cases in Europe each year. Lyme disease has been reported in every continent except Antarctica. Research shows that many Lyme patients do not respond to antibiotic therapy and go on the develop Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, (PTLDS) which often involves neurological impairment, arthritis, cognitive deficits, neuropathy and multiple other persistent symptoms.

For those that go on the develop PTLDS, the effects can be devastating and debilitating. Research suggests Borrelia species induce an autoimmune condition in which specific proteins in the brain and connective tissue are targeted during the immune response. Studies show that modulation of Treg cells play an important role in balancing the Th1 and Th2 responses. Since Borrelia species seem to cross react with self-proteins through molecular mimicry, this suggests the Th1/Th2 balance is dysfunctional following exposure to Lyme disease is some individuals and that immune modulating therapies may help in restoring this balance.

Dr Darin Ingle's Biography which includes links to his latest LDN and Lyme Presentations