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CFS and Gastrointestinal Parasites

http://www.gsdl.com/home/assessments/finddisease/cfs/parasites.html

 

One study of a group of patients with chronic fatigue found that 28% were infected with the parasite G. lamblia; and over two-thirds of these were relieved of fatigue and related myalgic symptoms after their protozoan infection was properly treated.¹ Other common intestinal parasites that can trigger symptoms of fatigue include E. histolytica and Blastocytis hominis.

Various routes of contamination by parasites are possible. The Communicable Disease Center of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare reports that 90% of G. Lamblia infections it encounters are traced to contaminated water or exposure to diaper-age children attending day care centers.² In 1993, over 400,000 people in Milwaukee became ill after drinking from an urban water supply contaminated with Cryptosporidium.³

Increasing worldwide travel--a record 52.5 million Americans flew across international borders last year alone⁴--coupled with rising immigration into the United States, is also causing a significant increase in the spread and incidence of parasitic infections. This growing problem is compounded by a lack of public awareness, which results in insufficient testing for many common symptoms of parasites.³

The Comprehensive Parasitology test identifies parasitic infection and microbial and yeast status in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing precise and effective treatment of infections and imbalances.

References:

1 Galland L, Lee M, Bueno H, Heimowitz MS. Giardia lamblia infection as a cause of chronic fatigue. J Nutr Med 1990;I,27-31.

2 Kappus K, Jaranek D. Giardia in the well. JAMA 1988:259:1810.

3 Morin CA, Roberts CL, Mshar PA, Addiss DG, Hadler JL. What do physicians know about cryptosporidiosis? Arch Intern Med 1997;157(9):1017-22.

4 McDowell E. The doctor is in: clinics boom. New York Times 1998 Mar 29; Sect TR:4.

 

 

Possible signs of parasite infestation:

AIDS:

People with AIDS often have treatment-resistant Candida albicans because of the impaired immune factors caused by many parasites. A study done at the University of Virginia reported that an amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica, produces a substance that attacks the very immune defence cells that can inactivate the HIV virus. The New England Journal of Medicine drew a connection between AIDS and epidemic outbreaks of amebiasis two years prior to the San Franscico AIDS outbreak (Aug.7, 1986) As a result of the AIDS epidemic, the incidence of many parasitic diseases has increased -- Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cryptosporidiosis, and strongyloidiasis.

Allergy:

Parasites can irritate and sometimes perforate the intestinal lining. This increases the possibility of large undigested molecules crossing the barrier into the bloodstream. It is these large molecules that irritate the immune system enough to cause such allergy symptoms as increasing the levels of eosinophils which, in turn, inflame tissues, resulting in allergy-type symptoms. Parasites can also trigger an increase in the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE). All this can result in many different types of food allergies or sensitivities.

Anal itching:

When especially at night. This is often a sign of pinworms, but can also be a symptom of any of a number of parasites.

Anemia:

Some intestinal parasites attach themselves to the mucosal lining of the intestines, leeching nutrients from the host. If the numbers are large enough, they can create enough blood loss to cause iron deficient or pernicious anemia.

Breasts:

Breasts that become sore and swollen, but not related to menstruation.

Chest pains or heartburn:

When these are not to be confused with impending heart attacks.

Chronic fatigue:

Parasites cause physical, mental, and emotional symptoms which include the following: tiredness, flu-like complaints, apathy, depression, impaired concentration, and faulty memory. Extreme fatigue is often the result of malnutrition brought on by the malabsorption of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and especially Vitamins A and B12, caused by parasites blocking absorption sites in the intestines.

Constipation:

Because of their size and shape, some worms can obstruct the intestine making elimination difficult.

Diarrhea:

Certain parasites (mainly protozoa) produce prostaglandin, which creates a loss of certain electrolytes. Diarrhea is the result of parasitic action and not necessarily the body's attempt to rid itself of the organism.

Digestive complaints:

Parasitic invasion are often mistaken for vague digestive problems, includingthe following: flu-like symptoms, colitis, gas, bloating, indigestion, feeling full all the time, stomach aches or burning sensations, nausea, unexplained vomiting, etc. There can also be a weight loss while still having a vigorous appetite. Other digestive problems can include the following: difficulty in gaining or losing weight, uncontrolled chronic yeast problems, plus numerous and varied food allergies or sensitivities, as well as environmental intolerances. More than 50% of those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome were considered "cured" of their disease when the parasite infestation was treated.

Elimination changes:

Stools that are foul-smelling and greasy, becoming worse in the afternoon and evening, are often symptoms of parasitic infestations, particularly that of Giardia lamblia. Other symptoms include the following: alternating periods of soft or watery stools and constipation, abdominal cramps, abdominal rumblings and gurglings different from periods of hunger and eating. Other changes can include bedwetting, blood in stools, and dysentery (different from simple diarrhea).

Gas and Bloating:

Some parasites live in the upper small intestine, where inflammation can produce these symptoms. They can be magnified when such hard-to-digest foods as beans and raw fruits and vegetables are eaten. Persistent abdominal distention is a frequent sign of parasite invasion. Symptoms can persist intermittently for months or years if the parasites are not eliminated entirely from the body.

Gingivitis:

Without proper care of the mouth, the normal bacterial flora can be altered, allowing for pathogens and parasites to take over. As cysts enter the mouth and travel throughout the body, a weakened area, as the mouth, will easily become a target.

Granulomas:

Tumor-like masses that encase destroyed larva or parasitic eggs are called granulomas. They develop most often in the colon or rectal walls, but can be found in the lungs, liver, peritoneum, and uterus.

Immune dysfunction:

Parasites depress immune system function by decreasing the secretion of IgA. Their presence continuously stimulates the immune system response, and, over time, can exhaust this line of defence, leaving the body open to an influx of other parasites, as well as bacterial and viral infections. Unexplained disorders can include the following simple complaints: itchy skin/ears/nose/anus, joint and muscle aches and pains, low back pain, rashes, etc., to more serious autoimmune disorders including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

Irritable bowel syndrome:

Parasites can irritate, inflame, and coat the intestinal wall, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption problems, particularly of fatty foods, leading to bulky stools and steatorrhea (excess fat in the stools).

Joint and muscle aches and pains:

Parasites can migrate to joint fluids. Worms can encyst, that is, become enclosed in a sac, within the muscles. When this happens, the pain is diagnosed as arthritis or rheumatism. Inflammation will be real because their presence will stimulate the body's immune system to respond to their presence, but being microscopic, will not be a suspect.

Mental changes:

When these include the following: depression, impaired thinking, bursts of anger, confusion, restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness are often the result of systemic parasite infestation. Parasitic metabolic wastes and toxic substances can serve as irritants to the central nervous system, causing these symptoms.

Other health complaints:

Parasites are the missing diagnosis of many health problems including the following: chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, dysgonadism (a protein dysfunction in the genito-gonadal area), chronic upper respiratory ailments, depressive manifestations, depressed libido, and endometriosis.

Respiratory problems:

These include the following: coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath, often with flu-like symptoms, andexcessive nose picking. Parasites are known to migrate to the upper respiratory tract, causing irritation.

Skin conditions:

Intestinal worms can cause the following: hives, rashes, weeping eczema and other skin lesions. Cutaneous ulcers, swellings, sores, papular lesions and itchy dermatitis can all result from protozoan invasion.

Sleep disturbances:

Restlessness with multiple awakenings during the night, particularly between 2 and 3 AM, can be caused by the body's attempt to eliminate toxic wastes via the liver. According to Chinese medicine, these hours are governed by the liver. Sleep disturbances are also caused by nocturnal exits of certain parasites through the anus, creating intense discomfort and itching.

Teeth grinding:

Bruxism is the abnormal grinding, clenching, and gnashing of the teeth, often observed in cases of parasitic infection. This is more noticeable in children, especially at night, and may be a nervous response to an internal foreign irritant. In "conventional" medical material, they still maintain that the cause of this remains unknown and controversial.

 

 

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E.)

http://www.amsterdamkliniek.com/meeng.htm

Introduction

The Clinical Picture

The Cause

Diagnostics

Treatment

Introduction

Chronic fatigue syndrome, often better known as M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and postviral syndrome, seems to be a mysterious disease which has been running rampant over the past decade. To variable degrees, a growing number of people suffer from this syndrome, for which no clear- cut cause has yet been found. Sufferers appear healthy and frequently have normal blood test results. This regularly leads general practitioners, consultants, occupational physicians, employers and society in general, to deny the existence of this syndrome. Unrequired referrals to psychiatrists and psychologists; the use of hypnotics, tranquillisers and antidepressants; an inability to cope with daily life in general, and work in particular; are only some of the unpleasant consequences of this malady.

The Clinical Picture

Diagnosing chronic fatigue (or M.E.). is done based on the patient's complaint pattern and history. In order to diagnose the syndrome, other causes of chronic fatigue, such as anaemia, thyroid dysfunction, certain infections, autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, etc. need to be excluded. The most commonly found complaints are:

• severe fatigue (more than 50% energy loss) for a minimum of 6 months, often with slow recovery after exertion; sometimes "good" periods;
• general malaise;
• muscle ache and/or muscle weakness (50%),
• concentration and memory problems (70%);
• sleeping disorders (50%);
• depression (70%);
• mental confusion ("brain fog") (50%);
• anxiety (50%);
• headache (80%);
• sore throat (70%);
• glandular swelling (70%);
• slightly raised body temperature (78%);
• disrupted heat regulation;
• intestinal complaints (35%);
• allergies (65%).

The Cause

For years, researchers have unsuccessfully tried to discover a singular cause for M.E. Their search was targeted at:

• viruses: mononucleosis (E.B. virus), cytomegalo virus, Herpes 6 virus;
• yeasts, moulds: Candida;
• parasites: Toxoplasma, Giardia Lamblia, amoebas;
• bacteria: Chlamydia, Borrelia, chronic bacterial infections;
• disturbances of the immune system;
• hormonal abnormalities (thyroid, adrenal gland);
• stress;
• food allergies and intolerances;
• chemical sensitivities: e.g. Sick Building syndrome;
• liver detoxification disturbances.

Most M.E. experts currently agree that the cause is multifactorial. This implies that a complex of factors provokes the disease. For instance, an intestinal infection involving parasites, yeasts or moulds may cause: food sensitivity (food intolerance), weakening of the immune system and/or liver detoxification disturbances. Singularly, weakening of the immune system may lead one to greater susceptibility to infections. Once body tolerance is reached due to an overload of immune weakening stimuli, the body may give in. M.E. can then be the result. This explains why it often does not suffice to treat just one of the aforementioned factors; the entire complex needs to be addressed and the body's resistance strengthened.

Diagnostics

As discussed before, M.E. is diagnosed through elimination. Other diseases that may give rise to chronic fatigue need to be excluded first. Conventional blood tests are performed to exclude anaemia, low iron stores, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease and certain infections. Many M.E. patients suffer from intestinal complaints. Stool tests, which trace infections with parasites, yeasts, moulds and bacteria, are often necessary as well. At least 60% of all M.E. patients suffer from food intolerances, most of them without knowing it. Food intolerances or allergies are very hard to demonstrate, especially when using conventional laboratory methods such as skin scratch tests or RAST tests.

The cytotoxic test is a very advanced testing method, capable of demonstrating these intolerances or allergies. This technique exposes a wide variety of foods to the patient's white blood cells (granulocytes). Their response to these foods is determined microscopically: the degree of swelling, granulation or disintegration of the cells forms an indication of the degree of intolerance.

Another test used for this purpose is the IgG(4) antibody test. Classical food allergies can be demonstrated through the presence of IgE antibodies, which appear in the blood within a couple of hours. In the case of non-classical allergies or intolerances, however, antibodies do not generally appear until 24-48 hours later: these are IgG(4) antibodies.

A diet based on the test results often leads to the disappearance of complaints; such as headache (migraine), emotional complaints, intestinal complaints and, last but not least, fatigue. Quite often, the sugar (glucose) regulatory system is disturbed, resulting in a tendency toward low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia). Hypoglycaemia may manifest itself in the form of shakiness, sweating, anxiety, mental fog, weakness and a craving for sweets. Many patients tend to feel better after eating. A 5-hour long glucose tolerance test is instrumental in demonstrating hypoglycaemia.

Other useful tests are:

• specific blood tests that measure the strength of the immune system;
• hair analysis in order to measure the toxic metal load;
• tests to determine liver detoxification.

Treatment

After assessing possible contributing factors, based on the patient's history, physical examination and diagnostic tests, a treatment plan is drawn up.

Diet

The prime focus of the treatment regime is on an individualised, hypoallergenic, elimination/rotation diet, which temporarily excludes the offending foods. This is supported by orthomolecular nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids and amino acids. As long as these are taken in the proper doses, these substances, which are inherent to the body, quite often lead to considerable improvement. This result is obtained because these orthomolecular substances compensate for possible shortages, activate the immune system and raise the energy production in the cells of the body.

In addition to other factors, the diet is based on the aforementioned cytotoxic or IgG(4) test results, glucose tolerance test (if applicable) and the patient's specific complaints (e.g. fermentation of the gut, etc.). Many complaints quite often disappear on a hypoallergenic diet, whereas before, the relationship between food and specific complaints had gone unrecognised. Fatigue also often diminishes dramatically.

Intestinal "restoration"

In many cases, it is necessary to restore the balance in the intestines. This is done by eradicating uninvited visitors (parasites, yeasts, moulds), replenishing beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and restoring the (often porous) intestinal mucosa. Vitamin application Application of vitamins and minerals, via intravenous drip (directly into the circulation), leads to improvement of restorative processes in many M.E. patients.

Desensitisation/immune stimulation

A very important asset in the treatment of M.E. is enzyme-potentiated desensitisation (EPD). This therapy, which originated in the United Kingdom, was initially used for the treatment of inhalant allergies (such as hay fever and asthma) and food sensitivity only. However, M.E. patients receiving this treatment for their allergies or intolerances, found that in more than 50% of all cases, their M.E. complaints greatly improved or disappeared. Similar results were seen in M.E. patients without any allergies or intolerances whatsoever.

In EPD, a small quantity of a broad-spectrum mixture of inhalant or food allergens, combined with an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, is injected intradermally into the skin. Not only does this injection lead to the immune system's acceptance of the allergens involved, but it also stimulates so-called natural killer cells, important members of the immune system. Quite likely, this specific immune stimulation is responsible for the improvement in M.E. patients. After all, most M.E. patients suffer from a weakened immune system and depressed natural killer cell function. The treatment protocol of M.E., through EPD, has recently been improved even further and thus gained in efficacy.

Other therapies, such as liver detoxification support, are valuable. Naturally, rest is an important aspect of treatment, as well. However, in most cases, rest alone will result in little or no improvement over time. In general about 80% of all M.E. patients show clear improvement based upon the abovementioned combination of treatment methods.

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Mycoplasma  

http://biology.kenyon.edu/Microbial_Biorealm/bacteria/gram-positive/mycoplasma/mycoplasma.htm

 

Classification Description and Significance Genome Structure Cell Structure and Metabolism Ecology Pathology References NCBI: Taxonomy Genome M. genitalium M. pneumoniae

Mycoplasma seen using darkfield microscopy (1000x) Courtesy of Michael Coyle and Chritstine Baillie. Photomicrograph of the nasal cavity of a desert tortoise. Multiple Mycoplasma are attached to the cell surface. From the University of Florida

Classification Higher order taxa: Bacteria; Firmicutes; Mollicutes; Mycoplasmatales; Mycoplasmataceae; Mycoplasma Species: Mycoplasma genitalium Mycoplasma pneumoniae Mycoplasma pulmonis Description and Significance The study of Mycoplasma has become important in the understanding of chronic diseases. As both an extracellular and intracellular pathogen, a better understanding of the virulence mechanisms of mycoplasma will provide fresh understanding of how to diagnose and combat this pathogen. Genome Structure Both the sequencing of Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma pneumoniae have been completed. Mycoplasma genitalium is thought to have the smallest genome of any self-replicating organism, measuring only 580,070 bp long with just 470 open reading frames. Its overall G+C content is 32%. The regions of lowest G+C content are around the origin of replication. The genome of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is much longer at 816 kbp, containing 209 open reading frames in the additional 236 kbp, giving it a total of 679 open-reading frames. Currently there is a project underway to sequence the 950kbp genome of Mycoplasma pulmonis. M. pulmonis belongs to a slightly different branch of mollicutes compared to the closely related M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium. The phylogeny of mollicutes is interesting as regards the degeneration of the genome. During their evolutionary history multiple reductions in genome size have occurred, the usual genetic code has been altered, and the overall rate of evolution uncharacteristically high. One suggested reason for the reduction in genome size is the evolution of mollicutes into strict parasites making much of their metabolic machinery obsolete. Mycoplasma also have unique use of the amino acid codon UGA, which they use as an additional codon for tryptophan, while other organisms use it as a stop codon. In sequencing these genomes researchers hope to increase understanding of the pathophysiology of the pathogen, by identifying virulence factors. It will also be useful in the identification of protective antigens in order to develop a vaccine to combat the parasite. It will also help in forming the definition of a minimal cell, since the genomes of many Mycoplasma are stripped down to the bare bones. Cell Structure and Metabolism Mycoplasma are flask-shaped and are most likely descended from Gram-positive bacteria. Due to their seriously degraded genome they cannot perform many metabolic functions, such as cell wall production or synthesis of purines. As such stripped down organisms they are considered the perfect model of the minimalist cell. Meaning they are believed to contain the absolute minimum machinery necessary for survival and are considered the model organisms for the essential functions of all living cells. The Mycoplasma cell is built of a minimum set of organelles including a plasma membrane, ribosomes, and a highly coiled circular chromosome. Because it is essential for Mycoplasma to be able to bind to their host cells they have developed special tip organelles for this purpose, with a significant percentage of genes in their genome devoted to this important function. Most species of Mycoplasma are extracellular pathogens, and use their tip organelle, which has a high concentration of adhesins, to attach to the eukaryotic cell. The organelle is bounded by the cell membrane and contains a central rod-shaped structure. Mycoplasma that act as intracellular pathogens, penetrate their host cell using their tip organelle. The lack of a rigid cell wall, may also help facilitate contact between mycoplasma and their host cell, by creating the possibility of fusion between the two membranes. This would enable the exchange of membrane and cytoplasmic components. Mycoplasma pneumoniae . From the Kelleher Group Photomicrograph of the nasal cavity of a tortoise. The arrow indicates a Mycoplasma attached to the surface of the cell. From the University of Florida Ecology Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae attached to swine cilia. From the International Organization for Mycoplasmology. There are no free-living Mycoplasma, they are strictly parasites. They parasitize a wide range of organism including humans, plants, animals, and insects. Mycoplasma grow very slowly, even under perfect conditions, with a generation time ranging up to nine hours in some species. They also have a very long lag phase, so it may take an entire week before colonies become visible on agar plates. Due to their degraded genome, and inability to perform basic functions, Mycoplasma rely on their host for much of their nutrition. Many species of Mycoplasma are commensal, living innocuously with their host as part of the natural flora of the body, and having no detrimental effects. But when Mycoplasma act as pathogens they cause chronic but mild infections that rarely, if ever, kill their host. They are usually surface parasites, although several species, including the aptly named M. penetrans, are intracellular pathogens. Pathology Mycoplasma have been linked with several chronic diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, gulf war syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. There is a definite correlation between these diseases and mycoplasmal infections, although the connection remains obscure. In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome Mycoplasma sp. were found in 62.9% and 50% of patients respectively in a study done by Nasralla et al. They also found that more than 50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis had mycoplasmal infections, and 36% of these patients had multiple infections by different species of Mycoplasma. In studies with Gulf War illness, about 50% of patients had mycoplasmal infections, leading to the rumor that the Gulf War was the first war in which biological weapons were used. Namely weapons with biologically engineered strains of Mycoplasma (this is still just a rumor). The most common symptoms associated with mycoplasmal infections include night sweats, intermittent fevers, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, increased dermal sensitivity, joint and muscle pain, swelling and reduced mobility of joints, heart palpitations, pain and arrhythmia, stomach cramps and regurgitation, loss of vision, double vision, and the list can go on. Although there is a clear link between Mycoplasma infection and the above-mentioned diseases, it is unclear which is the precursor. Mycoplasma may cause these various diseases, or it may be an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes a host with a weak immune system, and causes a secondary infection. Michelle Akers, a retired member of the Women's National Soccer Team, is afflicted with chronic fatigue syndrome. From Womens Soccer World. References Ecology Coyle, Michael. "Advanced Applied Microscopy for Nutritional Evaluation and Correction", Elbow Room Publishing, 2000. Razin, Shmuel. 1999. Adherence of pathogenic mycoplasmas to host cells. Bioscience Reports, 19: 367-372. Drexler, Hans G. & Cord C. Uphoff. 2002. Mycoplasma contamination of cell cultures: Incidence, sources, effects, detection, elimination, prevention. Cytotechnology, 39: 75-90. Maniloff, Jack. Mycoplasmas: Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis. American Society for Microbiology: Washington, D.C., 1992. Pathology Nasralla, M., J. Haier & G. L. Nicolson. 1999. Multiple mycoplasmal infection detected in blood of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or fibromyalgia syndrome. Clinical Microbiology of Infectious Diseases, 18: 859-865. Genome University of Heidelberg: Comparative analysis of the genomes of the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium. Genoscope: Mycoplasma pulmonis - Complete genome

 

 

 

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Dr. Hulda Clark's website on Parasites

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