Ticks can carry multiple pathogens and these are generally referred to as “Co-Infections” of a tick bite. Below are some of the “common” co-infections. The co-infections can be worse and just as hard to treat, complicating the recovery of Lyme disease.
ANAPLASMOSIS / EHRLICHIOSIS
Ehrlichiosis is a term that describes several different bacterial diseases, one of which is also called anaplasmosis. Some are transmitted by Ixodes ticks and others by the lone star tick. The disease can be mild or life threatening. Severely ill patients can have low white blood cell count, low platelet count, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, kidney failure and respiratory insufficiency. Older people or people with immune suppression are more likely to require hospitalization. Deaths have occurred.
Clinical manifestations of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are the same. Each is often characterized by sudden high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. The disease can be mild or life threatening.
BABESIA
Babesiosis is an infection caused by a malaria-like parasite (Babesia microti and B. duncani are two examples), that infects red blood cells. If ticks are infected with the Lyme bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia, this is a co-infection. Although rare, it’s possible to contract babesiosis from a contaminated blood transfusion. Babesiosis is often so mild it goes unnoticed, but it can be life-threatening to people with no spleen, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms of babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease, often starting with a high fever and chills. Some symptoms of babesiosis can be very low blood pressure, liver problems, severe hemolytic anemia (a breakdown of red blood cells), and kidney failure.
BARTONELLA
Bartonella are bacteria that live inside cells that can infect humans and a wide range of other animals. Not all Bartonella species cause disease in humans. It is mainly carried by cats and causes cat-scratch disease, endocarditis, and several other serious diseases in humans.
Fleas, body lice and ticks carry Bartonella. Scientists suspect that only ticks can transmit the infection to humans; however, more research is needed to establish the role of ticks in spreading the disease.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is caused by bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii. The disease is treatable with antibiotics (often doxycycline); however, 30% of untreated patients die. Symptoms may include: high fever, rash, headache, and bleeding problems.
BORRELIA MIYAMOTOI
Borrelia Miyamotoi is a new species of Borrelia found across Canada that we do not have testing for and its symptoms present very similarly to Borrelia burgdorferi.
POWASSAN VIRUS
Powassan (POW) virus is transmitted to humans by infected ticks. Most cases have occurred in the Northeast and Great Lakes region. Signs and symptoms of infection can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. Long-term neurologic problems may occur. There is no specific treatment, but people with severe POW virus illnesses often need to be hospitalized to receive respiratory support, intravenous fluids, or medications to reduce swelling in the brain.
You can reduce your risk of being infected with POW virus by using tick repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding bushy and wooded areas, and doing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. If you think you or a family member may have POW virus disease, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
MYCOPLASMA
Mycoplasmas can be transmitted through insect bites, open wounds, inhalation, ingestion, and sex.
There are many species of Mycoplasmas – over 200, and they are tiny Gram-positive bacteria lacking cell walls, which allows them to take on many shapes; they exist intracellularly. The primary mycoplasmas that cause human disease are: M. pneumoniae, M. genitalium, M. Hominis, M. Fermentans, and included in the family are – Ureaplasma urealyticum, U. parvum, as well as M. penetrans. They can infect any organ in the body and can be at the root of many chronic diseases whose origins have been confusing.
Mycoplasma: Often Overlooked In Chronic Lyme Disease by Scott Forsgren