Glossary
Co-Infection
An additional infection transmitted by the same tick that carries Lyme disease, such as Bartonella, Babesia, or Ehrlichiosis.
In the context of Lyme disease, a co-infection refers to an additional pathogen transmitted by the same tick that carries Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease). A single tick bite can transmit multiple organisms simultaneously.
Common co-infections include Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. Each co-infection has its own clinical presentation, testing requirements, and treatment approach. Co-infections may modify the clinical picture of Lyme disease, making it more complex to diagnose and treat.
Standard Lyme disease blood tests do not test for co-infections. Evaluation for co-infections typically requires separate testing and a provider experienced with tick-borne illness.
Common co-infections include Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma. Each co-infection has its own clinical presentation, testing requirements, and treatment approach. Co-infections may modify the clinical picture of Lyme disease, making it more complex to diagnose and treat.
Standard Lyme disease blood tests do not test for co-infections. Evaluation for co-infections typically requires separate testing and a provider experienced with tick-borne illness.
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