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Beware. Ticks Causing Lyme Disease Are Moving North
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Ticks are moving North. Climate change is the cause. Because of this, ticks causing Lyme Disease now infect more people and can be found in more areas than you think.
Ticks carry Borrelia burgdorferi, as well as other bacteria and viruses. You've likely heard that ticks can give you Lyme Disease, but if you are bitten by a tick these co-infections must also be tested for.
The symptoms of Lyme Disease can mimic many diseases including: chronic fatigue, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and heart failure.
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| Testing For Lyme Disease: |
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There are three types of tests for Lyme Disease: Elisa, Western Blot and PCR. The PCR testing is highly sensitive and should be your choice, even if you have to pay for it.
Genomic studies have begun to identify different strains of Borrelia, some of which may be more virulent than others.
Immunologic studies are now identifying different host immune responses to Borrelia infection. These responses predispose certain individuals to develop chronic disease, and others to rapidly eradicate the infection with treatment with antibiotics.
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In recent news, Shania Twain, the Canadian country music superstar, revealed that she's battling complications from Lyme disease as a result of a tick bite over 10 years ago.
She says "there's a very short window to catch it and then treat it." The Timmins, Ont., native saw a tick fall off her in Norfolk, Va., during her 2003-04 "Up!" tour.
Twain says her contracting Lyme disease led to a vocal cord disorder for which she's had to have physiotherapy.
"Normally it can attack your nervous system or the vital organs - heart, liver, kidneys, nervous system," Shania said.
Shania noted that Lyme is "a debilitating disease" that "you can't play around with."
The message is clear: get tested and get treated.
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Treatment studies have shown that Borrelia is capable of persisting even after aggressive antibiotic therapy.
New antimicrobials, when used in different combinations, can be powerful in eliminating these Lyme persisters.
Some experts are treating Lyme, like leprosy, with the use of Dapsone. This is helping to achieve success. Leprosy is treated for years. So it is rational for Lyme disease to be treated for many months or even years, if necessary.
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As the number of typical and atypical cases of Lyme disease increases, so does the number of patients who go on to develop chronic persistent symptoms.
Lives are being profoundly altered by the bite of a single tick, just ask Shania Twain.
A special skill set, knowledge base, clinical network and persistence have to be present for doctors to assist patients suspected of having Lyme disease.
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| TO START THE CONVERSATION: |
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To learn about RCM's Services call, click or email.
1-800-620-7551 or 647-350-5500
It all starts with a conversation.
We are always pleased to help.
Raymond Rupert MD. MBA.
Founder/Medical Director
Rupert Case Management Inc.
505 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 203
Toronto, ON M5N 1B1
direct: 647-350-5500
24*7: 1-800-620-7551
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