“In Lyme disease and other VBDs, the immune system becomes impaired by the pathogens themselves. Borrelia bacteria, for example, can evade the immune system through biofilm formation and immune suppression, allowing the infection to persist in the body. This chronic infection leads to a prolonged inflammatory response, with cytokines promoting systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction.”
—Dr. Myriah Hinchey, ND
Lyme disease is one of the most common vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in the United States, with over 476,000 new cases diagnosed annually. However, recent data suggest that the true number of annual Lyme cases may exceed three million when accounting for underreporting in surveillance data. It’s caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily transmitted by the bite of black-legged ticks. Lyme disease is notorious for its ability to mimic many other illnesses, leading it to be called “the great imitator.” However, Lyme disease does not act alone. It is often accompanied by other infections commonly referred to as co-infections because they are contracted at the same time from the same bite. These infections, along with Lyme, can trigger or exacerbate conditions like pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDAS), both of which cause severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Understanding the link between these diseases, the role of the immune system, and the impact of gut health is key to diagnosing and treating these complex conditions.
Lyme Disease and Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs)
Lyme disease, caused by multiple species of the Borrelia bacteria, not just B. burgdorferi, is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus (the black-legged tick). There are several sources suggesting other possible routes of transmission, including vertical transmission from mother to fetus in utero. However, Borrelia spp are not the only microorganism that may be transmitted. Other vector-borne diseases, including those caused by Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, and the Powassan virus, frequently occur alongside Lyme disease. These co-infections have detrimental synergistic effects on the body and complicate both the diagnosis and the treatment of Lyme disease. The presence of these additional VBDs often causes more severe symptoms and often overlaps with Lyme’s own wide range of signs, including fatigue, pain syndromes, weakness, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological issues. Vector-borne diseases can affect almost every organ system in the body, with symptoms ranging from fever, chills, malaise, night sweats, headaches, stiff neck, muscle weakness, post-exertional malaise, muscle aches, joint pain, cardiac symptoms, shortness of breath, GI symptoms, anxiety, depression, brain fog, and fatigue to more severe neurological manifestations, such as encephalitis and Lyme neuroborreliosis. The key challenge in treating Lyme disease and other VBDs is that the immune system’s ability to fight these infections can become impaired, leading to chronic illness that persists even after antibiotic treatment. Chronic Lyme disease, sometimes referred to as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) by the CDC, does not fully recognize the ongoing nature of Lyme, as symptoms can continue despite treatment. These lingering symptoms can wreak havoc on the body, especially when co-infections are also present.
PANS/PANDAS: Autoimmune Response to Infection
PANS and PANDAS are autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own brain tissue, leading to abrupt changes in behavior, personality, and movement. Both conditions are triggered by infections, with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria being a well-known trigger for PANDAS. However, Lyme disease and other VBDs like Bartonella and Mycoplasma are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to PANS/PANDAS.
PANS refers to a broad spectrum of infections or factors that can trigger neuropsychiatric symptoms, including an abrupt onset of OCD, anxiety, panic, separation anxiety, extreme fear, restricted eating, deterioration of handwriting, regression in school performance, motor tics, and bedwetting. PANDAS specifically refers to neuropsychiatric symptoms triggered by Streptococcus infections, although there is typically additional underlying immune dysfunction. When an infection like Borrelia or Bartonella enters the body, it can initiate a dysregulated immune response that not only targets the pathogen but also the brain, leading to neuroinflammation. This inflammation is believed to affect areas of the brain involved in behavior and movement, including the basal ganglia, which plays a significant role in motor control and emotional regulation.
The Connection Between VBDs and PANS/PANDAS
The link between Lyme disease, other vector-borne diseases (VBDs), and PANS/PANDAS lies in immune system dysfunction. Infections like Borrelia (Lyme), Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma can cause an overactive immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The immune system becomes dysregulated, and the body’s normal response to infections is altered, causing an ongoing cycle of inflammation that can affect both the body and the brain.
In Lyme disease, the Borrelia bacteria can evade the immune system through various mechanisms, such as by forming biofilms and releasing proteins that suppress immune activity. This immune evasion results in persistent infections that continue to trigger inflammation throughout the body. Similarly, in PANS and PANDAS, the immune system produces autoantibodies that target the brain, particularly the basal ganglia, leading to the neuropsychiatric symptoms observed in these conditions. Both Lyme and PANS/PANDAS share the feature of immune system dysregulation, where the immune system’s response to infection causes more harm than good, affecting both the body and the brain.
Immune System Basics: The Body’s Defense Mechanism
The immune system is the body’s defense against harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is made up of two main branches: the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system provides the body’s first line of defense, recognizing general patterns of pathogens and responding quickly. It includes physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, as well as immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils that engulf and destroy pathogens.
The adaptive immune system is slower to respond but provides a more targeted defense. It involves lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells, which recognize specific pathogens and remember them, providing stronger and faster responses upon re-exposure. Cytokines, small signaling proteins, play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by promoting inflammation and immune cell activation.
However, when the immune system becomes dysregulated, it can lead to chronic inflammation. This is seen in both Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS, where the immune system becomes overactive, causing harm to the body and brain.
The Complex Interplay of Gut Health and Immune Function
The gut plays a critical role in regulating immune function. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is an important part of the immune system, acting as an interface between the external environment (such as food, toxins, and microbes) and the immune system. The gut microbiota—trillions of microorganisms living in the gut—help modulate immune responses and maintain a balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiota, is linked to immune system dysfunction. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “leaky gut.” This allows harmful substances, such as undigested food particles and toxins, to leak into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and further disrupting the immune system. In individuals with Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS, this dysregulation can exacerbate symptoms, as the gut and immune system are intricately connected. Supporting gut health through proper diet, probiotics, and reducing environmental stressors can help restore balance to the immune system.
Immune System Dysregulation in PANS/PANDAS
In PANS and PANDAS, immune system dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of the disease. Both conditions are characterized by an abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including OCD, anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive impairment. The immune system produces autoantibodies in response to infections, and these antibodies mistakenly target the brain, leading to neuroinflammation.
This autoimmune response leads to the activation of proinflammatory cytokines, which further exacerbate neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The underlying cause of immune dysregulation in PANS/PANDAS can be triggered by infections like Streptococcus, Borrelia, and other VBDs. By understanding the immune system’s role in these conditions, it becomes clear that treating the infection while restoring immune balance is key to recovery.
Immune System Dysregulation in Lyme and VBDs
In Lyme disease and other VBDs, the immune system becomes impaired by the pathogens themselves. Borrelia bacteria, for example, can evade the immune system through biofilm formation and immune suppression, allowing the infection to persist in the body. This chronic infection leads to a prolonged inflammatory response, with cytokines promoting systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction.
This dysregulation is not limited to Lyme disease but extends to other VBDs like Bartonella and Mycoplasma. These infections can disrupt the immune system’s ability to mount an effective defense, leading to persistent symptoms that affect both the body and the brain. Chronic VBDs like Lyme disease share the common thread of immune dysregulation, which leads to ongoing inflammation and a cycle of persistent illness.
Chronic VBDs and PANS/PANDAS: Immune Dysregulation Driven by Proinflammatory Cytokines
Chronic Lyme disease, VBDs, and PANS/PANDAS all share a common feature—immune dysregulation driven by proinflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are key signaling molecules that regulate the immune response. While they are essential for fighting infections, an overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation, which contributes to the symptoms of both Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS. In these conditions, the immune system becomes overactive, leading to prolonged symptoms and ongoing damage to the body and brain.
The challenge in treating these diseases lies in managing the infection while restoring immune competence. Conventional treatments often focus on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, but these may not be enough to fully address the underlying immune dysfunction. A holistic approach that includes herbal treatments and lifestyle modifications can help support the immune system and restore balance.
The Problem: Killing the Infection While Restoring Immunocompetence
The key challenge in treating Lyme disease, VBDs, and PANS/PANDAS is not just eradicating the infection but also restoring immune competence. Traditional antibiotic treatments can help kill the pathogens but may not fully address the underlying immune dysregulation. Additionally, long-term use of antibiotics can contribute to dysbiosis, further disrupting the immune system.
Restoring immune competence requires a multifaceted approach that includes herbal treatments to modulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and support gut health. Herbal remedies such as Japanese knotweed, Cat’s Claw, and Astragalus have shown promise in supporting the immune system and promoting healing in individuals with Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS. These herbs help regulate cytokine production, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune function.
Resolving Multiple Infections with Herbals
Herbal medicine plays a crucial role in resolving multiple infections simultaneously. Plants like Cryptolepis, Houttuynia cordata, and Sida acuta are known for their antimicrobial properties and can help target pathogens like Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella. These herbs also support immune modulation, helping to restore balance to the immune system while addressing chronic infections.
By combining herbal treatments with dietary and lifestyle changes, individuals with Lyme disease, VBDs, and PANS/PANDAS can support their body’s natural healing process, reduce inflammation, and restore immune function.
Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases, when left untreated or inadequately treated, can lead to chronic illness and immune system dysfunction. PANS and PANDAS, autoimmune disorders that trigger severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, are often triggered by infections like Lyme. Both conditions are driven by immune dysregulation, where the immune system becomes overactive, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent symptoms.
Understanding the role of the immune system, the gut, and herbal medicine is crucial for successfully treating Lyme disease, VBDs, and PANS/PANDAS. By addressing infections, reducing inflammation, and restoring immune competence, individuals can regain their health and alleviate the long-term effects of these complex diseases.
In addition to naturally treating patients with complex medical conditions at TAO in Connecticut, Dr. Myriah Hinchey created LymeCore Botanicals™ to provide quality, clean, and effective herbal formulas for Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections and is highly active in sourcing, testing, and making the herbal formulas she uses to treat her patients. Dr. Hinchey also founded LymeBytes™, a multimedia company dedicated to educating patients and other practitioners on the truth about Lyme disease and tick-borne disease and focuses on bringing patients, practitioners, and resources together for healing Lyme disease.
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