Lyme Disease & Parasites

What are parasites and how do they relate to Lyme Disease?

A parasite is defined as “an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other’s expense.” A parasite’s life literally depends on its host for survival. Types of parasites range from visible worms such as tapeworms, flukes, roundworms, and pinworms, to microscopic protozoal organisms like Giardia and Entamoeba. Many people battling Lyme Disease find that they are also dealing with parasites.

Although we generally think of parasitic worms as only inhabiting the GI tract, Dr. Alan MacDonald recently found nematode filarial worms in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease at autopsy. Dr. Eva Sapi has found filarial worms in Ixodes scapularis ticks, and Zhang and colleagues found them in lone star ticks, so it is possible that filarial worms are being regurgitated from the gut of the tick into humans after a tick bite.

Parasites can play an important role in keeping chronic Lyme patients sick.

How do you get intestinal parasites?

Intestinal parasites can be contracted in a variety of ways. These include eating or handling raw or undercooked meat or seafood; eating contaminated vegetables or fruit (especially if eaten raw); swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, or creeks; handling or working with animals, and contact with contaminated soil (i.e., parks and beaches). Household pets can also be a source of parasites.

What are the symptoms of intestinal parasites?

 Symptoms of intestinal parasite infections can vary and can mimic other diseases. They include:

  •  Anemia

  • Gastrointestinal (appetite changes, gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, gas)

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

  • Fatigue

  • Joint pain

  • Insomnia

  • Anal or perianal itching

  • Weight gain and weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Anemia

  • Not feeling satisfied after meals

 A more in-depth look at the some of the more common intestinal parasites diagnosed in the United States, symptoms of intestinal parasites, and potential treatments can be found here.

How are parasites diagnosed?

The problem with intestinal parasites is that they are difficult to diagnose. The way most doctors test for parasites is to perform a microscope stool exam. However, studies show that depending on the kind of parasite, testing can work anywhere from 20-90 percent of the time. This means that testing is very poor and not reliable—if the test result is negative.

When to Consider Intestinal Parasites in Lyme Disease

If You Have Symptoms

Consider treating intestinal parasites if you have ongoing intestinal symptoms, such as gassiness, bloating, intestinal cramping, and mushy/loose stools, liver dysregulation —even after treating for intestinal yeast overgrowth.

If You Have Risks

Even if you do not have intestinal gassiness and bloating, consider treating intestinal parasites if you have traveled to less-developed countries where you could have gotten parasites from contaminated food or water. Also, consider parasites if you drink well water, even if the well has tested clean. If you are an outdoors person who drinks untreated water from rivers or lakes, consider treating parasites, too.

Think parasites are related to yours symptoms and ready to get started?

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Want more info from a Leading Practitioner on Parasites?

Dr. Jaban Moore has been helping thousands of people in the Lyme community at home or through virtual consulting. Check out his parasites 101 course here to give you the tools to get the care you need.