Infectious diseases that do not heal acutely but persist in the body for long periods and can flare up repeatedly.
By chronic infections we understand infectious diseases that do not heal acutely, but persist in the body for long periods and can flare up repeatedly (so-called subacute recurrent infections). Such infections often progress insidiously and can cause a variety of different symptoms in different organs - therefore they are often misinterpreted by the environment or even by doctors.
Zoonoses are not exotic exceptions. In our globalized world, they are the rule we often overlook.
Causative agent of Lyme borreliosis
e.g. causative agent of spotted fever and presumably involved in CFS
A protozoan, causes babesiosis - malaria-like symptoms
responsible for cat scratch disease among others, can cause chronic fatigue
infect white blood cells, transmitted through tick bites
can trigger chronic inflammation, e.g. in joints
e.g. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, can cause chronic respiratory complaints
causative agent of Q fever, can become chronic
controversial virus with neuropsychiatric symptoms
remains in the body after initial infection, can trigger other diseases
Often chronically infected patients have multiple infections. Especially with tick-borne diseases, this is more the rule than the exception. A recent survey among patients with chronic Lyme disease found that over 50% of them have laboratory-confirmed co-infections - often with Babesia, Bartonella or Ehrlichia.
Chronic infections pose special challenges to medicine
Affect many organs simultaneously and mimic other diseases
Lyme disease is called this because symptoms are non-specific and mimic other diseases
Can produce rheumatic complaints or multiple sclerosis-like symptoms
Standard laboratory tests often not sensitive enough, especially after acute phase
Antibody tests can be negative even though pathogens persist in tissue
Today's routine medicine has no clear diagnostic markers for post-Lyme syndrome (persistent symptoms after antibiotic therapy) and often no therapeutic concept - many patients are then treated with painkillers or antidepressants.
We consider the whole person and the entire complexity of the infection. Every chronic infection case is different - depending on the pathogen mix, immune status and other factors.
„Chronic infections are treatable, but only if they are perceived and treated in their complexity and interaction“
In the following sections we dedicate ourselves to our two main topics in detail
Comprehensive information about the "great imitator" and its complex symptoms
Understand the connections between infections and chronic fatigue
This scientific information is provided for educational and patient guidance purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, individualized diagnosis, or a promise of cure, and cannot replace a personal consultation with a qualified physician.
Association for the Treatment of Chronic Infections (VBCI e.V.) – Non-Profit Patient Organization.
Chronic infections require in-depth knowledge and individual solutions. Our experts guide you toward the right diagnosis.
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