Understanding Lyme Disease Co-Infections
photo credit: Dr. Jen Maecker
Part 2 of a 3 part series: Understanding Lyme disease Co-Infections and How Acupuncture Provides Support
Lyme disease remains shrouded in mystery as scientists continue to explore all aspects of tick bites. As research progresses, we gain more insights into Lyme disease and its associated co-infections. These co-infections can complicate the management of Lyme disease, leading to more severe and chronic symptoms. Before continuing, please refer to the previous blog post on Lyme disease for a foundational understanding and overview.
What Are Lyme Disease Co-infections?
When a person is bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, they are likely to be exposed to other pathogens as well. These co-infections can worsen Lyme disease symptoms or lead to their distinct problems. Two of the most common co-infections associated with Lyme disease include Babesia and Bartonella. Others are Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Mycoplasma.
Babesia is a parasite similar to those that cause malaria, infecting the red blood cells of its host. The disease resulting from a Babesia infection is known as babesiosis. It can be contracted through the bite of an infected tick. It may also be transmitted from mother to child (congenital transmission) during pregnancy or through a blood transfusion. (ProjectLyme, 2021). According to research, approximately 40% of patients infected with Borrelia are also infected with Babesia; however, this statistic is likely much higher due to the disease being vastly underreported (Diuk-Wasser, Vannier, & Krause, 2016).
Babesia Symptoms:
flu-like symptoms: high fever, chills
air hunger (breathlessness)
night sweats
fatigue
joint and muscle pain
chest/rib pain
headache
symptoms similar to other malarial diseases
increased sensitivity to stimuli
abdominal pain and discomfort
Bartonella "Cat scratch fever," scientifically known as Bartonella henselae, is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headaches, and skin rashes. It is primarily transmitted through an infected cat's bite, scratch, or lick. The bacteria can live inside blood vessels and red blood cells, where they multiply and evade detection by the immune system. The illness caused by a Bartonella infection is called Bartonellosis (Columbia Lyme Disease, 2019).
In addition to cats, fleas, lice, sand flies, and ticks are known carriers of Bartonella. There is a significant possibility that ticks contribute to transmitting this infection to humans. Research has already shown that ticks can transmit certain species of Bartonella to mice. However, further investigation is necessary to determine ticks' role in infecting humans (Project Lyme, 2021).
Bartonella is found in various tick species, such as black-legged and Lone Star ticks. As with Lyme disease, the incidence of Bartonella infection is likely underreported. Symptoms can vary greatly; some people may have mild or no symptoms, while others may suffer from chronic infections and persistent issues.
Bartonella symptoms:
stretch mark like rash
swollen glands
anxiety/depression
psychiatric symptoms
Feelings of rage
Neurological symptoms/seizures
flu-like symptoms
extreme fatigue
facial pain
headaches
muscle pain
cardiovascular issues
bladder pain and issues
Bartonella henselae rash
Other Co-infections:
Anaplasma is a bacterium that attacks white blood cells and can result in fever, headache, and muscle aches. It shares many symptoms with Lyme disease and other coinfections, which complicates the diagnosis.
Ehrlichia is another bacterial infection that targets white blood cells, causing fever, chills, and muscle aches. Ehrlichiosis can mimic both Lyme disease and other conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint the root cause of symptoms.
Rickettsia is a group of bacteria that includes the pathogen responsible for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, another tick-borne illness. It can cause various symptoms, including fever, rash, and muscle pain.
Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can affect the respiratory system but also has neurological and musculoskeletal effects. It can contribute to chronic fatigue and pain.
black-legged tick transmits Lyme and co-infections
The Challenges of Diagnosing and Treating Lyme Disease Co-infections
One of the biggest challenges Lyme patients face is the overlapping symptoms of Lyme disease and its co-infections. Fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain are common across many tick-borne infections, which makes it difficult for doctors to differentiate between them.
Moreover, Lyme disease and its co-infections can suppress or dysregulate the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. As a result, patients often experience prolonged illness and find themselves on a long, difficult road to recovery.
Dealing with Lyme disease and its co-infections can be incredibly challenging, especially when traditional treatments, like antibiotic therapy, may not be as effective if the intervention is delayed or if the infection has advanced to a chronic stage. Understandably, many patients seek solace in holistic therapies, such as Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, to help ease symptoms and support the healing journey.
photo credit: D. Perales
How Acupuncture Can Help with Lyme Disease and Co-infections
For individuals dealing with Lyme disease and its co-infections, Acupuncture offers several potential benefits:
Pain Management
Acupuncture is well known for its ability to alleviate pain, including the musculoskeletal pain that often accompanies Lyme disease and co-infections like Babesia and Bartonella. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can help release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation (Lin, Kotha, & Chen, 2022).
Immune System Support
Chronic infections like Lyme disease can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight pathogens. Acupuncture has been shown to enhance immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells and regulating the activity of immune cells. This can help the body mount a more effective defense against Lyme disease and its co-infections (He, Jiang, & Zhang, 2023).
Detoxification
Lyme disease and co-infections can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, whether from the pathogens themselves or as a result of antibiotic treatments. Acupuncture can assist in detoxification by improving circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps the body eliminate waste and toxins (Brewington, Smith, & Lipton, 1994)
Reduction of Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Lyme disease and its co-infections, contributing to joint pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation by stimulating the body's natural anti-inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that acupuncture can influence inflammatory cytokines, decreasing swelling and pain (2022).
Stress Management
Living with chronic Lyme disease and co-infections can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. By balancing the body's energy, Acupuncture can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological toll of Lyme disease (Cabıoglu et al., 2012).
Improved Circulation and Oxygenation
Acupuncture can enhance blood circulation and improve oxygen delivery to tissues, both of which are essential for healing. Improved circulation helps transport nutrients to cells, facilitates the removal of waste products, and alleviates fatigue—a common issue among Lyme patients. (Litscher et al., 1998)
Qing Hao (Artemesia, Wormwood): Used in the treatment of Babesia and Malaria.
Integrating Acupuncture into Lyme Disease Treatment Plans
Lyme disease coinfections present a unique challenge for patients, making diagnosis and treatment more complicated. However, Acupuncture offers a valuable approach to managing the complex symptoms associated with Lyme disease and its co-infections. By addressing pain, inflammation, immune function, and stress, Acupuncture can improve the quality of life and support recovery in Lyme disease and coinfections.
Please reach out to Dr. Jen to book a Complimentary Consultation for the management of your Lyme disease symptoms.
Some resources for Lyme disease and Co-infections:
Lyme disease Testing + CoInfection Testing
Dr. Horowitz, M.D., Symptom Checker
Stay tuned for the final of this 3 part series: The Role of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in treating Lyme disease.
* The information presented on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
References
Diuk-Wasser, M. A., Vannier, E., & Krause, P. J. (2016). Coinfection by Ixodes tick-borne pathogens: Ecological, epidemiological, and clinical consequences. *Trends in Parasitology, 32*(1), 30-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pt.2015.10.012
Columbia Lyme Disease. (2019, August 22). Bartonellosis. Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Retrieved April 8, 2025, from https://www.columbia-lyme.org/bartonellosis
Project Lyme. (2021, March 15). What is Bartonella? Project Lyme. Retrieved April 8, 2025, from https://projectlyme.org/resource/what-is-bartonella/
Lin, J.-G., Kotha, P., & Chen, Y.-H. (2022). Understandings of acupuncture application and mechanisms. American Journal of Translational Research, 14(3), 1469-1481. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35422904/
He, Y., Jiang, H., & Zhang, H. (2023). Advances in immunotherapy for glioma: From molecular mechanisms to clinical trials. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1147718. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147718
Brewington, V., Smith, M., & Lipton, D. (1994). Acupuncture as a detoxification treatment: An analysis of controlled research. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 11(4), 289–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/0740-5472(94)90040-X
Cabıoglu, M. T., Iseri, S. O., Coban, A. E., & Coban, F. (2012). Role of acupuncture in stress management. Marmara Pharmaceutical Journal, 16(2), 107-114. https://doi.org/10.12991/201216408108
Litscher, G., Schwarz, G., Sandner-Kiesling, A., Hadolt, I., & Eger, E. (1998). Effects of acupuncture on the oxygenation of cerebral tissue. Neurological Research, 20(Suppl 1), S28-S32. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616412.1998.11740605