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Veterinary Testing for Chronic InfectionsInternational Molecular
Diagnostics, Inc.
Scientists and physicians at the Institute for Molecular Medicine have been working with veterinarians who have patients of various species with undiagnosed illnesses, in some cases similar to their owners who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), Gulf War Illness (GWI) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). We have determined that a connection exists between the above chronic illnesses suffered by humans and chronic infections caused by Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, or other chronic infectious pathogens. For example, Mycoplasmas are microscopic microorganisms similar to bacteria but without a rigid cell wall. Some species of Mycoplasma or Chlamydia do not cause human or animal diseases, but more recently several species have been shown to cause or are a cofactor in disease, and when such microorganisms are found in the blood, they should be treated just like any other bacterial blood infection. The species of Mycoplasma that we have found in about 50% of CFS, 60% of FMS, 45% of GWI and 40% of RA patients and their pets cause systemic infections that invade virtually every tissue in the body and can compromise the immune system, permitting opportunistic infections by viruses, bacteria, fungi and yeast. Often these patients have multiple chronic infections and their signs/ symptoms can be quite complex, and each patient tends to have his or her own unique set of problems. Systemic chronic microorganism infections can cause chronic fatigue, reoccurring fevers, night sweats, joint and muscle pain, stomach upsets, hair loss, diarrhea, breathing problems, sleep disturbances, sinus congestion/pain,watery eyes, skin rashes, kidney pain, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, such as light sensitivity, urination problems, heart and thyroid problems and in extreme cases autoimmune-like disorders, such as those that lead to muscle degeneration and paralysis. The latter symptoms are probably due to the fact that the microorganism is released from infected cells carrying parts of host cell membrane, and individuals may respond to the microorganism as well as normal host antigens carried on the microorganism, resulting in symptoms similar to but not exactly those of MS, ALS, Lupus and other autoimmune disorders. Other symptoms include abnormal allergic responses, peculiar neurological symptoms, heart abnormalities, respiratory ailments, gastric discomforts ranging from ulcers to irritable bowel syndrome, and in extreme instances encephalitis and/or meningitis. Mycoplasma or Chlamydia infections usually start as respiratory infections that cause a respiratory illness that progresses to a systemic condition. We are having success in recommending treatment of patients with CFS, FMS, GWI and RA and their ill pets with antibiotics, such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin and Biaxin. The treatment works on most individuals and their pets, but it can take some time to recover from this type of infection (usually up to and even over one year for humans and months for animals) and individuals undergoing therapy always feel worse when they start the therapy due to ‘die-off’ of the microorganism or Herxheimer reactions. We also noted that certain antibiotics like penicillin can exacerbate the symptoms. We are now developing additional tests for other chronic infections that might also be involved in these illnesses and new therapies that might help chronically ill patients and pets. The Institute for Molecular Medicine is a nonprofit corporation that is recognized by the Federal Government as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax laws. Testing is performed at the same location by our sister for-profit corporation International Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. We take pride in the accuracy of our procedures, and we are rare in the diagnostic area because of our assistance after tests have been completed. In the attached materials you will find all the information and forms necessary to avail yourself of various tests that could be vitally important in your patients’ recovery. Sincerely, Prof. Garth L. Nicolson Chief Scientific Officer and Research Professor |
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