Welcome to the Holistic Wellness Center of the Carolinas – Research Based Functional Wellness

Borrelia, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, is transmitted by ticks. While Lyme disease is often the focus of discussions about tick-borne illnesses, there are other infections that ticks can spread. Exposure to these infections is linked to several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Research suggests that infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, could be a trigger for MS in some people. A study found that people with MS were more likely to have been exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi than people without the disease. Researchers think that the bacterium may cause an immune response that leads to damage in the nervous system.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another autoimmune disease that is associated with exposure to tick-borne infections. One study found that people with RA were more likely to have been exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi than people without the disease. Other tick-borne infections, such as Anaplasma and Babesia, have also been linked to RA. Researchers believe that these infections could trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation in the joints.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. While the exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, researchers have found links between exposure to tick-borne infections and the development of the disease. In one study, people with Crohn’s disease were more likely to have been exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi than people without the disease. Other tick-borne infections, such as Bartonella and Ehrlichia, have also been linked to Crohn’s disease. Researchers think that these infections may cause an immune response that leads to inflammation in the digestive tract.

In conclusion, exposure to tick-borne infections is linked to several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. While more research is needed to fully understand these links, it is clear that tick-borne infections can have serious health consequences. Taking steps to prevent tick bites and promptly treating any tick-borne infections is important for maintaining good health.