Imagine waking up every morning feeling slightly off—just a bit out of sorts. Sometimes there's a headache, other times an overwhelming sense of tiredness that even a strong cup of coffee can't shake. You chalk it up to stress, the inevitable wear and tear of a busy life. But as the months pass, your symptoms worsen. By mid-morning, your energy is drained, and strange, fleeting moments of dizziness and confusion disrupt your routine. You tell yourself it’s nothing serious, probably just burnout. Until, one day, the fog in your mind becomes so dense that you can’t recall simple tasks or details you've known your entire life.
Doctors Tell You: It’s All in Your Head
When you finally turn to doctors for help, they dismiss your concerns. They tell you it’s all in your head—that you’re stressed, depressed, or simply overworked. You’re prescribed herbal supplements like valerian and ginkgo biloba, and receive a laundry list of vague diagnoses: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or worse, psychiatric disorders. The medications don’t help, the tests come back inconclusive, and years pass as you’re left searching for answers. Bit by bit, you start to lose touch with your loved ones, as friends and family struggle to understand the invisible illness consuming your life.
The Inadequate Excuse of Covid
Maybe you had Covid a few months or a year ago, and now doctors insist your lingering symptoms are due to Long Covid. But you know plenty of people who had the virus and are perfectly healthy today, long past their infection. The Covid pandemic, while devastating, has also become a convenient excuse to mask a deeper, more sinister truth.
The Real Cause: A Hidden Infection
All the while, the real culprit—a stealthy bacterial infection called Borrelia—is quietly ravaging your body, undetected by the very healthcare system that should be safeguarding you. And you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide are suffering in silence, unaware that Borrelia is behind their mysterious ailments.
Despite the severity of the infection, few around you have even heard of Borrelia or understand the damage it can cause. Even the most expensive doctors fail to recognize its effects.
The Arrogance of the Medical Establishment
Many doctors carry an air of confidence, believing they understand the complexities of human disease. But this confidence often blinds them to conditions they don't fully understand, leading to misdiagnoses and mistreatment that can have devastating consequences. This phenomenon, known as "cognitive bias," is not just a harmless oversight—it’s a serious failure that harms patients, sometimes with cruel consequences.
A Hidden Epidemic: The Horrifying Reality of Borrelia Infections
This is not a horror story. It’s the terrifying reality for millions of people worldwide who suffer in silence from the effects of Borrelia infections, commonly known as Lyme disease. Shockingly, despite the growing number of those affected, most of the public—and much of the medical community—remains in the dark.
Behind closed doors, whether at home, in doctors’ offices, or hospitals, millions are left in agony—misdiagnosed, dismissed, even forgotten. These individuals struggle with chronic, inexplicable health problems, losing hope of ever finding relief. The real cause? An epidemic spreading across the globe with little attention. What’s more alarming? It could happen to you or someone you love—and you may not even realize it. Perhaps, it already has.
The Evidence of a Hidden Pandemic
Studies show that millions of people worldwide are at risk of contracting Borrelia infections. In Europe alone, up to 500,000 cases of Lyme disease are estimated to occur annually, while the U.S. reports nearly 475,000 cases each year. However, these numbers likely only scratch the surface due to widespread underreporting and misdiagnosis. For every officially diagnosed case, countless others may go undetected because of the ambiguous, multisystemic nature of Borrelia-related illnesses.
The true scope of this hidden pandemic has been established, yet it remains largely unspoken.
Consider this excerpt from a scientific publication detailing the scale of the crisis:
"Examples from the analyses for Lyme borreliosis estimated for 2018 include: incidence – USA 473,000/year, Germany 471,000/year, France 434,000/year, and UK 132,000/year; prevalence – USA 2.4 million, Germany 2.4 million, France 2.2 million, and UK 667,000. Total infections – USA 10.0 million and UK 2.8 million. Global estimates for 2018 suggest a prevalence of 62.1 million. These figures exceed officially published data, reflecting both the underreporting of diagnosed cases, as acknowledged by health agencies, and the significant number of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases."
These were the numbers for 2018. Let’s move to more recent findings:
New research estimates the global Borrelia seroprevalence at 14.5% (95% CI 12.8% to 16.3%), with the top three regions being Central Europe at 28.6%, Eastern Asia at 28.3%, and Western Europe at 18.0%.
This statistically means that if you're in a room with several people, there's a good chance that one of them has Lyme disease. Now, expand those numbers to your entire block, neighborhood, or city—suddenly, the scope of the problem becomes alarming. Lyme disease isn't just a rare infection; it’s likely affecting people around you, whether they know it or not. Or perhaps, even you are infected.
Sources:
The Even Scarier Part: Sexual Transmission of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, belongs to the same family as the well-known sexually transmitted infection, syphilis. Under a microscope, the two bacteria are nearly indistinguishable.
In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers are now challenging the long-held belief that Lyme disease is exclusively tick-borne. Shocking new evidence suggests that Borrelia may also be spread through sexual contact.
While Lyme disease has historically been associated with tick bites, emerging research suggests the possibility of human-to-human transmission. According to a controversial new study, both animal and human research have uncovered alarming evidence that the Borrelia bacterium could be transmitted during intimate encounters—much like syphilis.
In one experiment, Borrelia was found in the genital secretions of Lyme-infected individuals, including heterosexual couples who had unprotected sex. These findings, combined with earlier studies showing sexual transmission in animal models, suggest that the Lyme spirochete may be capable of bypassing the tick altogether.
This discovery could redefine Lyme disease not just as a tick-borne illness but potentially as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If proven true, this would demand a radical shift in how Lyme is diagnosed, treated, and understood within the medical community.
Experts caution that this revelation may create an urgent need for new treatments, as current therapies may not be fully effective in cases of sexual transmission. The implications of this discovery are staggering, suggesting a much broader transmission route than previously thought, and potentially affecting millions more individuals worldwide. The cited scientific report is "Sexual transmission of Lyme disease: challenging the tickborne disease paradigm".
Another recent study has raised alarming questions about the transmission of Lyme borreliosis, a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. While ticks are known carriers, scientists are now exploring whether the disease could also spread through sexual contact or other routes.
The surge in Lyme disease cases, particularly in Europe and North America, may be linked to factors like climate change, urbanization, and improved diagnostic methods. However, some studies suggest that Borrelia spirochetes might be transmitted between humans, similar to sexually transmitted infections like syphilis. Evidence from animal models and human genital secretions hints at this possibility, though definitive proof is still lacking.
Experts are calling for further research to determine if Lyme disease could indeed be transmitted sexually, a finding that could dramatically alter how we approach the management and prevention of this disease. The cited article is "Sexual Transmission of Lyme Borreliosis? The Question That Calls for an Answer".
Lyme Borreliosis Can Be Transmitted from Pregnant Women to Their Babies
One of the lesser-known but deeply concerning aspects of Lyme disease is its ability to be transmitted from pregnant women to their unborn children. This phenomenon, known as congenital Lyme borreliosis, occurs when the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria crosses the placental barrier, infecting the fetus during pregnancy.
Studies have shown that untreated Lyme disease in pregnant women can lead to serious complications for the baby, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and developmental issues after birth. The bacteria can infect the fetal brain, heart, and other vital organs, potentially leading to long-term health problems.
Even more alarming is that many pregnant women are unaware they have Lyme disease, as its symptoms can be subtle or misdiagnosed. Because of this, many infants are born with the infection without the mother ever receiving proper treatment.
Early detection and treatment with antibiotics during pregnancy are crucial to prevent transmission and protect both mother and baby. Pregnant women who live in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent or who suspect they may have been exposed should seek medical advice immediately to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
A study led by Children’s National Hospital aims to investigate the impact of Lyme disease during pregnancy on fetal brain development and early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. This pilot study, headed by Dr. Sarah Mulkey, addresses the lack of knowledge about how in utero exposure to Lyme disease affects neurodevelopment. Funded by the Clinical Trials Network for Lyme and supported by the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the research team collaborates with advocacy groups to ensure patient-centered, trauma-sensitive research. The study hopes to improve prenatal and postnatal care for infants exposed to Lyme disease during pregnancy. ("Pregnancy and Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following In Utero Lyme Disease Exposure")
A case report led by Giusto Trevisan details 11 pregnant women with Lyme Borreliosis (LB), examining the potential for vertical transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi. The study shows that prompt treatment with Amoxicillin significantly reduces risks such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and rare cardiac issues. Early intervention, even in asymptomatic seropositive women, is crucial to prevent complications for both mother and newborn. Most infants were born healthy, with only one case of angiomatous patches, which resolved over time. The report highlights the importance of routine screening in LB-endemic areas during pregnancy. ("Case Report: Lyme Borreliosis and Pregnancy - Our Experience")
Despite Lyme disease being the most common vector-borne infection in the world, pregnant women and those undergoing in vitro fertilization are not routinely tested for it, even in endemic areas. This contrasts sharply with syphilis, which is a standard prenatal screening test. Both Lyme disease and syphilis are caused by spirochete bacteria and can have severe consequences if transmitted to the fetus, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or developmental issues. Given the potential risks, there is a pressing need to include Lyme disease screening in prenatal care to ensure early detection and treatment, similar to syphilis.
Urgent Motion for a Resolution on Lyme Disease Passed in European Parliament, Yet Governments and EU Remain Silent
In 2018, a Motion for a Resolution on Lyme disease (Borreliosis) was proposed in the European Parliament, calling attention to the critical gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, and awareness of this increasingly prevalent disease. Despite this motion, governments across Europe have remained largely silent, failing to take significant action to address the issue.
The resolution highlighted key concerns, particularly that there is no European consensus on the treatment, diagnosis, and screening of Lyme disease, and that national practices vary widely (Point E). This lack of standardization has led to inconsistent healthcare responses, with many patients experiencing delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. The motion also stressed that the true burden of Lyme disease in the EU is unknown due to a lack of consistent statistics, varied case definitions, and disparate laboratory methods (Point J).
The motion emphasized that more reliable early diagnosis could dramatically reduce later-stage cases, improving patients' quality of life while reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems by an estimated €330 million within five years, according to the DualDur EU research project. Yet, many patients are neither promptly diagnosed nor treated, often feeling ignored by public authorities, with some developing persistent symptoms that lead to chronic disease (Point H).
Another critical issue raised was the lack of specific ICD codes distinguishing between early- and late-stage Lyme disease, and no individual codes for the various late-stage symptoms (Point K). Furthermore, the resolution noted that treatment guidelines from ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) differ from those of IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America), creating further discrepancies in treatment approaches across the EU (Point L).
Despite these pressing concerns, little has been done to establish a unified European approach, leaving many patients without the care and support they need.
Reference: "Motion for a resolution - B8-0514/2018", European Parliament
Beyond Ticks: Other Insects That Can Transmit Lyme and Related Infections
While ticks are the most well-known vectors of Borrelia and Lyme disease, they are far from the only threat. A variety of other insects are capable of transmitting Borrelia and other tick-borne infections, further complicating the global fight against this hidden epidemic. Unfortunately, many people, including healthcare professionals, remain unaware of these alternative transmission routes, leaving millions at risk of undiagnosed infections.
Mosquitoes: The Overlooked Culprits?
Though ticks are primarily responsible for Lyme disease, studies have suggested that mosquitoes may also play a role in spreading Borrelia. A groundbreaking study has detected Borrelia species in mosquitoes across Germany, suggesting a potential new vector for Lyme disease. Researchers examined mosquitoes from 42 locations and identified Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia bavariensis, and Borrelia garinii in various mosquito species, including Aedes and Culex. This is the first study to analyze German mosquitoes for Borrelia, revealing the possibility of both transstadial and transovarial transmission of these pathogens. The findings highlight the need for further investigation into whether mosquitoes could contribute to the spread of Lyme disease, traditionally associated with ticks. ("Occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in different genera of mosquitoes (Culicidae) in Central Europe")
A study conducted in Szczecin’s forested areas investigated the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks and mosquitoes. Researchers collected 1,699 ticks (Ixodes ricinus) and 2,862 mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex species) between 2004 and 2005. Using indirect immunofluorescence, they found Borrelia in 16.6% of adult ticks and 16.5% of nymphs. Among mosquitoes, 1.7% of females, 3.2% of larvae, and 1.6% of pupae were infected. The study confirms ticks as the primary vectors for Lyme disease, but also highlights that mosquitoes can play a secondary role in the transmission of the pathogen. ("Ticks and Mosquitoes as Vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. in the Forested Areas of Szczecin")
While this research is still evolving, evidence has shown that Borrelia spirochetes have been found in the salivary glands of mosquitoes, raising concerns that these insects might also transmit the disease. Given the global presence of mosquitoes, this could dramatically increase the areas and populations at risk of Lyme and related infections.
Fleas: A Stealthy Vector
Fleas, commonly associated with pets and rodents, have also been identified as potential carriers of Borrelia bacteria. In fact, fleas have been shown to harbor and transmit a range of pathogens, including species of Borrelia, Bartonella (another tick-borne disease), and Rickettsia, which can cause various forms of relapsing fever and other illnesses. Fleas can jump from animals to humans, allowing them to infect people without them even realizing it. As these vectors are not as closely monitored as ticks, flea-borne Borrelia infections are likely underreported and misdiagnosed. ("New records of pathogenic bacteria in different species of fleas collected from domestic and peridomestic animals in Spain. A potential zoonotic threat?") ("The occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in certain ectoparasites (Mesostigmata, Siphonaptera) of Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus in chosen localities in the Czech Republic")
Lice: Tiny Carriers of Disease
Body lice, particularly in areas with poor hygiene or overcrowding, have been documented as carriers of Borrelia recurrentis. These lice can easily spread among humans, especially in conditions where people live in close quarters. Because relapsing fever can resemble other diseases, it often goes unrecognized, particularly in areas where lice infestations are common. ("Infectious Diseases", David A. Warrell, in Infectious Diseases (Fourth Edition), 2017)
Mites: A Hidden Threat
Mites, including certain species of bird mites, have been suspected of transmitting Lyme-like symptoms. Though direct evidence of mites as a vector for Borrelia remains limited, cases of mite infestations have been linked to mysterious rashes and systemic illnesses that mimic Lyme disease. Mites can infest homes, often spreading from birds' nests to humans, and their bites are frequently overlooked as harmless irritations. However, the potential for these tiny creatures to transmit infections remains an area of growing concern.
Flies: Not Just a Nuisance
Biting flies, such as horseflies and deer flies, have been studied for their potential role in transmitting Borrelia and other pathogens. In areas with high populations of biting flies, such as wetlands and rural regions, the risk of alternative transmission routes could be higher than previously thought. ("Ticks and biting insects infected with the etiologic agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi." L A Magnarelli and J F Anderson)
A Broader Picture of Infection
The idea that ticks are the sole culprits in the spread of Lyme disease and other Borrelia infections is a dangerous oversimplification. With mosquitoes, fleas, lice, mites, and flies all showing potential as vectors, the real risk may be far more widespread than most people realize. Unfortunately, because the medical focus remains largely on tick bites, millions of infections caused by these other insects may be going undetected or misdiagnosed.
This broader understanding of transmission underscores the need for increased research and awareness. Healthcare providers must recognize that Lyme disease and related infections are not limited to tick bites. As long as doctors and public health systems continue to overlook these alternative vectors, the true scope of the epidemic will remain hidden, and countless people will continue to suffer without proper diagnosis or treatment.
Another Global Incompetence: Why Doctors Misunderstand Lyme Disease Symptoms
One of the most glaring issues in the global Lyme disease crisis is the profound misunderstanding of its symptoms—even among trained healthcare professionals. Most doctors are only familiar with the "classic" Lyme symptoms: a bullseye rash, joint pain, and flu-like illness following a tick bite. But the reality is far more complex and dangerous.
There are over 20 known species of Borrelia that can infect humans, each causing a wide variety of symptoms. These species include Borrelia burgdorferi (the primary cause of Lyme disease in North America), Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii (more common in Europe and Asia), and several others. Each species can trigger its own unique set of symptoms, and many of these symptoms extend far beyond the typical Lyme presentations that doctors recognize.
For example, while some species primarily affect the skin and joints, others may primarily attack the nervous system or heart, leading to neurological symptoms, cognitive decline, or heart block. Even experienced doctors are often unaware of this diversity, which leads to a failure in diagnosis and treatment.
In fact, most doctors don't even know how many different Borrelia species cause Lyme disease or the range of symptoms each species produces. If you ask a regular doctor how many Borrelia species can infect humans or what specific symptoms they cause, they would likely struggle to answer. Worse still, many healthcare professionals are unaware that it is not uncommon for a single patient to carry multiple Borrelia species at once, further complicating the clinical picture.
This gap in medical knowledge leads to widespread misdiagnosis. Patients suffering from less common Borrelia species or those carrying multiple strains often endure years of unexplained symptoms while doctors chase after incorrect diagnoses like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or psychiatric disorders. They may treat the symptoms but miss the root cause entirely, leaving patients to suffer with a disease that could have been treated early on.
This lack of awareness represents a massive failure in global medical education. It’s not just about Lyme disease being difficult to diagnose—it’s about doctors not having the information they need to understand the full range of Borrelia species and how they manifest. In many ways, this is yet another instance of global incompetence, where millions are suffering due to the ignorance or outdated understanding of the medical community.
The Medical Community’s Greatest Failure: Ignorance and Misdiagnosis
How is it possible that so many people are suffering from a single bacterial infection without adequate diagnosis or treatment? The answer lies in a massive failure by the medical community to recognize the complexity and scope of Borrelia infections.
Borrelia is often called "The Great Imitator" because its symptoms are vague, varied, and can mimic countless other conditions—chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even psychiatric illnesses like depression or anxiety. The complexity of the infection has created a perfect storm for misdiagnosis.
A shocking study by Columbia University found that over 50% of patients with chronic, unexplained symptoms—neurological issues, joint pain, severe fatigue—tested positive for Borrelia infections. Many of these individuals had spent years being misdiagnosed, shuffled between specialists, and prescribed ineffective treatments. Even in countries where Lyme disease is well known, like the U.S. and Europe, the disease remains underreported and misunderstood.
One particularly disturbing aspect of this crisis is the controversy surrounding Chronic Lyme Disease or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). For patients who receive inadequate treatment in the early stages of infection, Borrelia can become chronic, leading to years of debilitating symptoms. Yet, many doctors dismiss chronic Lyme altogether, citing outdated guidelines and insufficient research into the long-term impacts of the disease. In effect, patients are abandoned—left to suffer from a condition that modern medicine refuses to fully acknowledge.
Patients with Diseases Such as Multiple Sclerosis and Fatal Diseases Such as ALS Have Had Undiagnosed Lyme Disease for Many Years
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe, disabling disease affecting young adults and poses a significant economic burden. Despite advances in symptom management and disease-modifying therapies, no cure exists. The prevalence of MS coincides with the distribution of the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by Ixodes ticks. Seasonal patterns of MS cases align with those of Lyme disease, suggesting a possible link. ("Chronic Lyme borreliosis at the root of multiple sclerosis – is a cure with antibiotics attainable?")
Another report discusses a 45-year-old woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), who was also found to have positive Lyme disease serology. Despite her diagnosis of MS, the patient had been exposed to ticks, and tests confirmed exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. The case raises questions about the relationship between Lyme neuroborreliosis and MS-like neurological symptoms, especially in regions where Lyme disease is not endemic. The overlap of symptoms between Lyme disease and MS complicates diagnosis and treatment, as seen in this case. ("Multiple Sclerosis and Positive Lyme Serology" by Marco Aurélio Lana-Peixoto, published in 1994)
A study in Suffolk County, New York, found that 9 out of 19 patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) had serologic evidence of exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), compared to 4 out of 38 controls. Most seropositive patients were male, and some showed improvement with antibiotic treatment, while others did not. This suggests a potential association between ALS and Borrelia infection, particularly in hyperendemic Lyme areas, though none of the ALS patients had typical Lyme disease symptoms. ("Immunologic reactivity against Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with motor neuron disease")
A case study reported significant recovery in a patient initially believed to have ALS after being treated with antibiotics for Lyme and Babesia infections. This raises the alarming possibility that some ALS diagnoses could be mistaken, with the true cause being Lyme disease. The connection between ALS and Lyme exposure has shown a statistically significant link, particularly in areas where Lyme is prevalent, sparking urgent calls for further investigation. ("Motor neuron disease recovery associated with IV ceftriaxone and anti-Babesia therapy", W T Harvey, D Martz)
Even Scarier: Lyme Disease Tests Don’t Work, and Doctors Don’t Know It
Every person’s immune system responds differently to Borrelia infections. Some individuals produce antibodies slowly or in low quantities, making it difficult for standard tests like ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or Western blot to detect the infection, especially in the early or late stages of the disease. This means that if you take the test at the wrong time, you might not know you have the infection.
There are over 20 known species of Borrelia that can cause Lyme disease, each presenting unique challenges for testing. Most tests are designed to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the most common strain in North America. However, infections caused by other strains, particularly in Europe and Asia, may go undetected, leading to false negatives.
Borrelia bacteria are also known for their ability to hide within tissues, making it difficult for the immune system to detect them. As a result, patients may not produce enough antibodies for a test to detect, even though the bacteria remain active in their bodies. Once the bacteria infiltrate the brain, nervous system, tendons, or eyes, tests may continually return negative results, despite an active infection.
Although the Western blot test is considered the gold standard, it has limitations. In many countries, it only measures a small number of protein bands—often just 5-7—compared to over 15 in others. According to CDC guidelines, five positive bands are required for an official diagnosis, leaving many patients undiagnosed. This leaves infections untreated, leading to disability or even death for many sufferers.
The CDC’s outdated guidelines for Lyme disease testing, which require patients to show five positive bands on a Western blot test for a formal diagnosis, are part of the problem. Millions of individuals who show only one or two bands remain undiagnosed and untreated, leading to serious long-term health consequences.
False-negative results from ELISA tests are a major barrier to identifying Lyme disease. These tests, due to their low sensitivity, often fail to detect the infection, delaying treatment. Physicians should stop relying solely on ELISA tests for diagnosis, as this method frequently misses active infections.
A recent study revealed significant issues with current diagnostic tests for Lyme disease, particularly with the widely used ELISA test. Researchers compared eight different ELISA systems and five immunoblots, uncovering major discrepancies in detecting anti-Borrelia antibodies. They found that many patients suspected of having Lyme disease receive false-negative results, leaving them undiagnosed and untreated.
The study, which tested 89 patient samples, found that the percentage of positive ELISA results varied widely, from 34% to 61%. This inconsistency highlights a serious problem in the diagnostic process, as many patients with active infections are not being accurately identified. Some tests even produced negative results in patients who were later confirmed to have Lyme disease through other methods. ("Large differences between test strategies for the detection of anti-Borrelia antibodies are revealed by comparing eight ELISAs and five immunoblots", C. W. Ang, D. W. Notermans, M. Hommes, A. M. Simoons-Smit, and T. Herremans, 2011)
The Healthcare System Has Abandoned Accurate Testing
Truly accurate diagnostic methods, such as direct microscopic observation of blood and tissue and culture isolation, have been phased out of the healthcare system. In their place, only the less reliable and often inaccurate antibody blood tests remain.
While scientists around the world continue to use advanced technologies like Dark Field Microscopy (DFM) to detect Borrelia, these methods are not accessible to the millions of people suffering from Lyme disease globally. At the same time, Dark Field Microscopy is a simple and affordable method. It only requires a skilled microbiologist and a slightly specialized microscope, making it a feasible option—yet still unavailable to the millions in need. ("Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology", K. Todar, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Bacteriology, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrelia & https://textbookofbacteriology.net/ Lyme.html 2004)
Pre-Test Preparation for Lyme Disease: Breaking Down Biofilms
Before undergoing Lyme disease testing, patients should prepare by stimulating the immune system and breaking down Borrelia biofilms over the course of one month. This preparation process helps improve the accuracy of the tests, as it increases the likelihood of detecting the bacteria in the system. By targeting the biofilms and boosting immune activity, the chances of receiving more precise results are significantly enhanced.
For a detailed guide on how to prepare for Lyme disease testing, including the importance of breaking down biofilms and stimulating the immune system, be sure to read the article "Preparing for Lyme Disease (Borrelia) Testing." This information can greatly improve your chances of getting accurate test results.
Every Doctor Must Recognize the Hundreds of Non-Specific Symptoms of Borrelia
To improve Lyme disease diagnosis, it is crucial that all healthcare professionals, regardless of their specialty, are familiar with the wide range of symptoms associated with the disease. Many of these symptoms are non-specific and can be overlooked or misinterpreted. Antidepressants do not cure Borrelia.
The Failure of Doctors to Recognize Borrelia is Crippling and Killing People
The lack of knowledge about Lyme disease among doctors can have devastating consequences for patients. Misdiagnosis and incompetence can turn once active and healthy people into disabled individuals. Most doctors have no real understanding of the disease’s symptoms. They may have read outdated textbooks containing incorrect information, and many have likely never read a single text on the subject. As a result, these oversights are leaving people to suffer lifelong illness or even death.
Treatment: It’s Not What’s in the Textbooks, and Every Doctor Should Know This
Patients who are fortunate enough to receive an official Lyme disease diagnosis are often given a single course of antibiotics and then sent on their way, expected to resume their lives. However, many people with long-term infections and severe symptoms experience little to no improvement after this treatment. There are a handful of patients who receive more comprehensive care, undergoing multiple courses of antibiotic therapy throughout the year—sometimes for years. These individuals can attest to the true pace and effectiveness of treatment. A single course of antibiotics is unlikely to cure anyone suffering from chronic Lyme disease. While it may be sufficient for treating a simple urinary infection, Lyme disease requires prolonged and carefully managed therapy. The realities of treatment and its necessary duration are not secrets—they must be understood by all healthcare professionals.
A study by Preac-Mursic et al. highlights the persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi in patients even after antibiotic treatment. The researchers found that despite treatment, the bacteria could still be cultured from patients' tissues, and some individuals continued to experience clinical or subclinical disease without detectable antibody levels. This suggests that antibiotic therapy can sometimes suppress the immune response, making traditional tests unreliable for detecting ongoing infections. The study concludes that both early and chronic Lyme disease, with persistent Borrelia after treatment, cannot be ruled out based on negative antibody tests. ("Survival of Borrelia burgdorferi in antibiotically treated patients with Lyme borreliosis")
A study by Hodzic et al. investigated the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in a mouse model of Lyme disease. Mice infected with Borrelia burgdorferi were treated with ceftriaxone during both early (3 weeks) and chronic (4 months) stages of infection. While the antibiotic treatment rendered the mice consistently culture-negative, some tissues remained PCR-positive, and spirochetes were found in collagen-rich tissues. Additionally, ticks that fed on treated mice were able to acquire and transmit the spirochetes to uninfected mice, indicating that non-dividing but infectious spirochetes persisted. This was especially pronounced in mice treated during the chronic stage of infection. ("Persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi following Antibiotic Treatment in Mice")
It simply means that when you’re given antibiotics and test negative afterward, it only indicates one thing—the blood test is negative, but the bacteria remain deeply embedded in your collagen tissues, still intact.
And Now the Reality Becomes Even More Brutal
A study led by Eva Sapi and colleagues investigates whether Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, can persist in the body even after long-term antibiotic treatment. The study analyzed tissues from a 53-year-old Lyme disease patient who had undergone 16 years of extensive antibiotic therapy. Despite treatment, the researchers found Borrelia antigens, DNA, and biofilm clusters in the patient's organs, including the brain, heart, kidney, and liver. These findings suggest that Borrelia can persist in both its spirochete form and antibiotic-resistant biofilm form, causing chronic infection. The presence of inflammatory markers next to these biofilms indicates that these persistent bacteria may continue to trigger inflammation, leading to long-term health problems. ("The Long-Term Persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi Antigens and DNA in the Tissues of a Patient with Lyme Disease")
This study provides strong evidence that Borrelia burgdorferi can survive in the human body despite aggressive antibiotic treatment, challenging the current understanding of Lyme disease treatment protocols.
Doctors will never admit this. Many are not even aware of these studies. In fact, it’s possible that some have never read any research beyond the textbooks they studied decades ago. Ask your doctor another question, similar to the one about the different types of Borrelia and their symptoms: "How many morphological forms does Borrelia have?" They likely won't be able to answer. In fact, they might need to look up the word "morphological" in the dictionary. Ask your doctor if they know what a biofilm is.
An Even More Frightening Truth
There are over 350 diseases known to be associated with Lyme borreliosis. Below is a list of just a few of them. You can download and review the full list, along with a collection of reports.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Acute ischaemic pontine stroke
- Severe cardiac diseases (Acute coronary syndrome, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiac Disease)
- Severe neurological diseases (Acute myelitis, Transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear paralysis)
- Stroke (Progressive stroke, Subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- Respiratory failure
- Septic arthritis
- Neonatal respiratory distress
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Meningitis
- Cerebral atrophy
- Scleroderma
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Systemic vasculitis (Wegener's granulomatosis, Vasculitis)
- Dementia (Presenile dementia, Reversible dementia)
There are over 320 more confirmed conditions listed in the file.
Potential Symptoms of Borrelia Infection
This is just a small sample of the numerous possible symptoms caused by Borrelia. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. A person infected with Borrelia may develop just one symptom, then two over time, and later three, continuing to accumulate symptoms over the years. Each individual can present with different symptoms, and no two cases are exactly alike.
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Abdominal pain
- Night sweats
- Hair loss
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Conjunctivitis
- Increased sensitivity to light or sound
- Random body aches
- Bell’s palsy
- Meningitis
- Numbness in the hands and feet
- Arthritis
- Dry skin
- Chills
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Speech problems
- Balance issues
- Hormonal changes
- Triggering of Hashimoto’s disease
- Triggering of diabetes
- Triggering of any other condition
And finally, after years of worsening health, many people receive incorrect diagnoses for serious diseases that have nothing to do with their actual condition. As their health deteriorates, they may end up in various hospital departments, receiving more inaccurate diagnoses that they often come to believe.
Read through these symptoms again carefully. This will help explain why millions of people are prescribed antidepressants and have their diagnosis delayed for years—if it is ever found at all.
You can find a complete list of symptoms here, as well as fill out an automatic online questionnaire form to assess your risk and symptoms of Borrelia infection.
Share This with Everyone Around You, So More Doctors (and the Public) Can Read It
Information about the difficulties in diagnosing Lyme disease needs to be widely shared within the medical community and across society. Greater awareness can lead to better diagnostic practices, save lives, and improve the quality of life for countless people. This is the real pandemic no one is talking about. Those left disabled by misdiagnoses remain voiceless.
Every doctor can dedicate just three days to reading the available reports and case studies about the challenges in diagnosing Borrelia and start saving lives. The information is not hidden—it’s available. And please, stop performing spinal taps indiscriminately, as this can further harm patients. It's crucial to be informed about the success rates and limitations of this diagnostic method.
To the doctors (and the public): If the cause of a patient’s illness remains unclear, this is a direction worth exploring. Many patients with unexplained symptoms may have already passed through the healthcare system undiagnosed.
Before COVID, it was unclear why so many patients failed to receive accurate diagnoses. Now, the common excuse is “You have Long COVID, there’s nothing that can be done.” This leads to patients being left to deteriorate slowly. Before the pandemic, many were often told their symptoms were “all in their head.” These dismissals have been heard countless times.
Medical Negligence: A Crime Against Humanity
When someone commits murder, it is a felony. Manslaughter due to negligence is also punishable by law, leading to indictments and imprisonment. Yet, the healthcare system and doctors are often shielded by their status. However, any form of negligence, incompetence, or denial in providing care is nothing short of a crime against humanity.