An infection is: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body. An infection may cause no symptoms and be subclinical, or it may cause symptoms and be clinically apparent.
Acute infections cause temporary problems often associated with fever, pain, gastrointestinal upsets... that are alleviate by rest and treatment. Chronic infections on the other side are not removed by the immune system, can cause health problems for several months or even years and can grow significantly degrading quality of life.
Chronic infections take place in scenarios when the immune system is unable to respond to the infective agent in a pathogen. This can happen for a range of reasons. For instance, the pathogen might find a way to hide itself within the body.
Different types of chronic infections:
Viral Infections:
- Hepatitis
- Epstein- Barr Virus
- Herpes
- Ross River Virus
- HIV/AIDS
A growing number of viral infections have been associated with various human malignancies including carcinomas and adenomas of the cervix and upper airways, liver cancer, and lymphomas and leukemias. It is estimated that approximately 15 percent of all malignancies worldwide are associated with known viral infections.
Bacterial Infections:
- Lyme disease 'Borrelia burgdorferi'
- Urinary Tract infections
- Heliobacter pylori
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma
Fungal Infections:
- Candida
Parasitic Infections:
- Helminths (worms)
- Protozoa (unicellular organisms)
Bacterial toxins and carcinogenesis
Tumorigenesis is a long and complex process, and the gap between initiation and development of cancer can mask the role of microbial infection. Therefore, a direct link between bacterial infection and cancer is often not detectable, and the etiological role of the former causation of cancer is mostly underestimated. however, chronic infections lead to to the persistent release of mediators of inflammation, toxins, microbial components and metabolites, which are known to be potentially mutagenic or at least cell cycle modulators.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a condition that is created by a specific bacterium that is referred to as ‘Borrelia burgdorferi’. Humans can acquire this disease when a tick carrying the disease bites them. Scientific studies support potential alternate modes of transmission through blood- sucking insects, such as mosquitos, flies, fleas and mites; however these potential transmission sources have not been fully researched.
Lyme disease is an infection that is described in three phases: early localised disease, early disseminated disease and late disease. In the early phase of the disease symptoms are limited to rashes, flu-like symptoms and common aches and pains. However, autoimmune and neurodegenerative symptoms may be observed in the advanced stages. The greatest discomfort of Lyme disease is known to be caused by arthritic or rheumatologic symptoms.
During the advanced phases of Lyme disease, the infection interferes with several bodily functions, which include the nervous system and circulatory or heart functions. As the infection progresses it may start causing inflammation to the joints, which explains the migratory aches and pains observed among patients.
Chronic Lyme disease patients can have many varying symptoms which is why Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed.
Some symptoms are:
- Unexplained hair loss
- Headaches, seizures
- Facial paralysis
- Sore throat, phlegm, hoarseness
- Double or blurry vison, pain in eyes or swelling
- Buzzing in ears, decreased hearing, pain in ears
- Diarrhoea and or constipation, irritable bladder, nausea, stomach pain
- Bone pain, joint pain or swelling. stiffness, muscle pain and cramps
- Chest pain, night sweats, heart palpitations..
- Tremors, unexplained shaking, fatigue, poor balance, dizziness, lightheadedness...
- Mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, disorientation...
- Memory loss, confusion, speech difficulty...
- Loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, unexplained breast and menstrual pain, testicular or pelvis pain..
- Symptoms come and go, allergies / chemical sensitivities, unexplained fevers, swollen glandes, continual infections...
Over 95% of people with Lyme disease are co-infected infected with other bacteria or parasites. Co-infections complicate both diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and the co-infection directly.
Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. (see in chapter 'Laboratory tests')
Lyme disease is associated with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Mycoplasma
Up to one-fifth of all lung infections that people develop in their community (outside of a hospital) are caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can cause tracheobronchitis (chest colds), sore throats, and ear infections as well as pneumonia. A dry cough is the most common sign of infection. Mycoplasma are cells that lack a cell wall around their cell membranes. Without a cell wall, they are unaffected by many common antibiotics such as penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.
Mycoplasma has been associated with many diseases:
- Gastric and Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Postabortal fever
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pyelonephritis
- Endometritis
- Urethritis
- Perinatal mortality
- Arthritis
- Spontaneous abortion
- Infertility and interference with sperm development
- Acting as cofactors catalysing the HIV disease state
Ross River Virus
Ross River virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes and can cause joint inflammation, pain, fatigue and muscle aches. The joints most commonly affected are the wrists, knees, ankles and small joints such as fingers or toes. Swollen lymph nodes and a rash appearing on the trunk and limbs are also present.
Here in Australia, the Ross River virus is widespread, particularly around inland waterways and coastal regions. Severe epidemics can occur after heavy rainfall, floods, high tides and temperatures.
The best form of prevention is by avoiding mosquito prone areas, especially at dawn and dusk. Fly screens and mosquito nets also help to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Hepatitis C
People infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) have a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to a recent study of the Swedish population. These findings are published in the March 2005 issue of Hepatology, the official journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD).
Hepatitis C virus infection is also associated with the development of liver cancer. In fact, in Japan hepatitis C virus is present in up to 75% of people who have liver cancer. As with hepatitis B virus, the majority of hepatitis C virus patients with liver cancer have associated cirrhosis (liver scarring). In several studies of the natural history of hepatitis C, the average time to develop liver cancer after exposure to hepatitis C virus was about 28 years.
On the other hand, there are some chronic hepatitis C virus infected individuals who have liver cancer without cirrhosis. So, it has been suggested that the core (central) protein of hepatitis C virus is the culprit in the development of liver cancer. The core protein itself is thought to impede the natural process of cell death or interfere with the function of a normal tumour suppressor (inhibitor) gene (the p53 gene).
The most common way to be infected by Hepatitis C is by sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs, needle-stick injuries in a health care setting, or getting infected as a result of birth from a mother with hepatitis C.
It is also possible, but less likely, to become infected via shared use of personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors. Infection is also possible through sexual contact with an infected person. The risk increases with the more sexual partners you have, the presence of sexually transmitted disease, HIV infection and rough sex.
Hepatitis C is not spread by casual contact; kissing, coughing, sneezing, sharing utensils, or breastfeeding.
Up to six months after the infection acute hepatitis C symptoms occur. Eight percent of acute hepatitis turns into chronic hepatitis C, which can be symptomless for many years.
A hepatitis C immunoglobulin test can confirm a chronic infection.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Heliobacter pylori infections are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Helicobacter grows in the mucus layer that coats the inside of the stomach. It secrets a an enzyme called urease, which converts the chemical urea to ammonia, to survive the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. The production of ammonia around H. pylori neutralises the acidity of the stomach, making it more hospitable for the bacterium. Due to its helical shape H.pylori is able to burrow itself into the mucus layer and therefore protected from the acidity and recognition of the immune system. In addition, H.pylori has developed ways of interfering with local immune responses, making them ineffective in eliminating this bacterium.
Although peptic ulcer disease is the most studied disease related to Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium is seemingly involved in the pathogenesis of several extra gastric diseases; such as, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas, coronaritis, gastro esophageal reflux disease, iron deficiency anemia, skin disease and rheumatologic conditions.
H. pylori is thought to spread through contaminated food and water and through direct mouth-to-mouth contact. In most population the, the bacterium is first acquired during childhood. Infection is more likely in children living in poverty, in crowded conditions and in areas with poor sanitation.
Most people with Helicobacter infection have no symptoms. When the infections leads to an ulcer abdominal pain may be the first sign.
Studies have shown that people with a Helicobacter infection have an increased risk of stomach cancer. Some studies have found a possible association between H. pylori infection and pancreatic cancer, but the evidence is conflicting.
Epstein-Barr virus
EBV is a herpesvirus that is widespread in all human populations. Infection usually occurs in childhood but if delayed until adolescence can result in infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever). EBV is distantly related to other herpesviruses like herpes simplex (the cause of cold sores) or varicella-zoster (the cause of chicken pox). Like them, EBV can replicate fully in epithelial cells, in this case in pharyngeal cells lining the inner mucosal surfaces of the mouth and nose.
EBV is most commonly transmitted by contact with saliva, such as through kissing or by sharing toothbrushes or drinking glasses. It can also be spread by sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplantation. EBV infection is lifelong.
EBV is associated with an increasing number of diseases. EBV is classified as a class-I carcinogen causally implicated in multiple lymphomas and carcinomas.
Epstein Barr virus immunoglobulins in the serum confirm a latent infection.
Yeast infections - Candida albicans
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen, which is a harmless member in the normal human microbiome. It is found in the gut, genital-urinary tract and skin. Under certain circumstances, however, it becomes an opportunistic pathogen. Reduced immune competence and suppression, an imbalance of the competing bacterial microflora, tissue acidosis, high sugar diets, Type1 and 2 diabetes are some of the causative factors. The prolonged administration of antibiotics or the use of corticosteroids may be followed by serious systemic candidiasis.
Especially in patients who have AIDS or were treated with chemotherapy, systemic Candida infection is often unavoidable.
Mucosal infections, such as oral thrush or vaginitis, are usually not life threatening, but they can be the sentinel symptom of immune suppression.
Some Doctors claim Candida causes cancer, while others say they both originate and thrive in the same low pH, high acidic environment, possibly with a symbiotic relationship.
Simply the presence of the fungal species itself cannot be related to the etiology of cancers. Apart from the ability to produce carcinogens such as nitrosamine, which has been known for some time, recently other mechanisms by which Candida spp. may promote the development of cancer have been explored. The metabolism of ethanol to the carcinogenic acetaldehyde and the induction of pro inflammatory cytokines may be important etiological factors in cancer development.
A study, which explored Candida albicans as a causative factor for the development of hepatic melanoma metastasis, came to the conclusion:
In summary, we report that the fungal pathogen C. albicans may enhance hepatic melanoma metastasis both at early and late stages of the metastatic process. Other common malignancies such as colon, ovarian, pancreatic and breast cancer can also metastasize to the liver and their metastatic recurrence has been associated to increased level of IL-18 in peripheral blood. Therefore, our results may have implications for other cancer types. Given that C. albicans is the most prevalent pathogen causing mycosis in cancer patients following immunosuppressive treatment our results have particular significance. Further clinical and epidemiological studies are required to establish whether C. albicans infections are associated with a higher risk of metastasis in human patients.
Rodríguez-Cuesta, J., Hernando, F. L., Mendoza, L., Gallot, N., De Cerio, A. A. D., Martínez-De-Tejada, G., & Vidal-Vanaclocha, F. (2010). Candida albicans enhances experimental hepatic melanoma metastasis. Clinical and Experimental Metastasis, 27(1), 35–42. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10585-009-9300-9
In any case a body wide candida infection plays havoc on the immune system. The immune system becomes overwhelmed and worn out from fighting the infection and any other disease can manifest a lot easier. Therefore it is of utmost importance to deal with a Candida infection to lessen the burden on the immune system.
Recommendations:
- Allicin from garlic (Antibaterial against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multi drug resistant enterotoxicogenic strains of E.coli; Antifungal activity, particularly against Candida albicans; Antiparasitic activity and Antiviral activity.
- Probiotics (against candida infections)
- Berberine (against Candida albicans,
- Lactoferrin ( possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa)
- Manuka honey
- Oregano oil
- Certain herbs such as Goldenseal, Olive leaf extract
- Ozone
- Rife
Mould
Mould is considered to be an extremely small and dangerous organism that belongs to the fungi family.
Moulds are associated with damp buildings and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says that over 50% of US buildings are mould infected.
Mould Illness begins insidiously, as it quietly and silently takes away energy, cognition and easy breathing; it leaves behind pain, fatigue, and often weight gain.
The symptoms of mould exposure may not seem life-threatening at the onset but over time more serious illnesses may develop.
If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, mould illness could be the cause:
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- Irritation of the eyes
- Weakness of muscles
- Inflammation of sinuses
- Breathlessness
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Muscle cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Stiffness
- Mood swings
- Night sweats
- Vertigo
- Numbness
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Concentration issues
- Red Eyes.
Toxic mold releases biotoxins into the body that can alter the entire functionality of the body including the immune system, endocrine system, respiratory tract, Dermal system & Nervous system. In fact, most mycotoxins are actually classified as "IMMUNE SUPPRESSORS & NERVOUS SYSTEM inhibitors . This means that when your body's immune system, nervous system & hormonal system is weakened it opens the door to opportunisitc pathogens like: Candida, SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), Parasites, Viruses and Bacteria (reactivated or new ones)
Mould toxins attach themselves to fat cells within the body causing them to continuously release inflammatory cytokines. This results in chronic inflammation, which has devastating effects on your health. Reduced circulation in small blood vessels, resulting in reduced oxygen levels in the cells, heart disease, nerve damage, and autoimmune disease are the result of mould exposure.
‘Toxicological evidence obtained in vivo and in vitro supports these findings, showing the occurrence of diverse inflammatory and toxic responses after exposure to microorganisms isolated from damp buildings, including their spores, metabolites and component.’ --- The World Health Organization
What to do?
Elimination of the cause! Look for the moisture in your house/apartment. There are many sources of water intrusion commonly seen in construction, both brand new and old. Crawl spaces and basements are the biggest offenders. Look for water coming through concrete walls (block and poured concrete are porous wicks for water).
Check for in-ground water pressure against a subterranean wall, especially if the wall is at the bottom of a hill.
A musty smell is the first sign of mould!
Check your bathroom and behind furniture and sofas positioned close to walls. Clothes, especially leather, in badly ventilated wardrobes are often affected by mould. Without the elimination of the mould in your environment you are in for a vicious cycle, which will ultimately lead to a chronic illness.
Get tested: Urine Mycotoxin Panel tests the amount of mycotoxin in your urine.
Work on detoxing the body and building up the immune system.
Why do some bacterial infections persist even after antibiotic therapy?
During an antibiotic treatment some bacteria will survive by becoming dormant. Once the treatment stops, dormant cells reactivate and recolonise. The more frequently bacteria receive antibiotics , the more of them survive and develop multi drug tolerance. Tolerant bacteria then can become resistant.
Also cells in a bacterial community take a communal attitude toward antibiotic resistance. Bacteria can alter traits such as a protein expression, but not their genomes, making them significantly more difficult to identify since the resistance level of each bacterium changes over time.
Biofilms
A biofilm is a complex aggregation of microorganisms growing on a solid substrate. Cells in biofilms surround themselves with a complex matrix to protect the cells from environmental stresses such as the attack of the immune system or the exposure to antibiotics. Biofilms are highly prevalent in the GIT tract.
Recommendations to break up biofilms:
- NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), NAC can be a gut irritant, so adding slippery elm for example helps.
- Biocidin LSF by Bio-Botanical Research Inc.
Further reading recommended:
Article: Functional Medicine & Lyme disease https://www.trulyheal.com/functional-medicine-lyme-disease/
Article: A functional look at parasitic infections https://www.trulyheal.com/a-functional-look-at-parasitic-infections/
Article: Is mould making you sick? https://www.trulyheal.com/is-mould-making-you-sick/
Further reading but not required:
Book: The Epstein Barr Virus Solution: The hidden undiagnosed epidemic of a virus destroying millions of lives. By Dr. Kasia Kines