On the Coast – Families Issue 92 | February / March 18

One of the other problems with tick bites is that children and adults may not be aware that they have been bitten by a tick because not only can the insect be tiny, but the tick also injects local anaesthetic at the time of biting. Dr Muth a fertility specialist in the US believes that Lyme disease can contribute to infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and the combination of being pregnant and having Lyme disease may impact blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby. Dr Muth suspects up to 1/3 of her patients with Lyme disease are cases as a result of the disease being sexually transmitted and reports this as a potential area growing in research. Chronic Lyme disease is certainly more complex to treat due to the immunosuppressive action of the bacteria. The virulent nature of a spirochete bacteria also means it has the ability to transmit through skin, blood vessels and cross the blood brain barrier as well as forming biofilms to defend against the host’s immune system. Testing for Lyme disease is very difficult due to Australia still being considered as a non-endemic country for Lyme disease as well as the immunosuppressive effects of Borrelia which can lead to false negative results. Researchers are yet to identify Australian borrelia species which is required to observe specific genetic and antigen material. One of the other problems with tick bites is that children and adults may not be aware that they have been bitten by a tick because not only can the insect be tiny, but the tick also injects local anaesthetic at the time of biting. Diligent checking of children is needed if they have been playing in bushy areas and of course prevention is the best option. Insect repellent can help deter ticks as well as tucking clothing in. Planting insect repelling plants such as lavender, sage, citronella and crysanthemums in the garden may also be helpful. Checking the body, head, ears, clothes and also checking pets for ticks is important both for the pet and for anyone the pet may sleep next to or come in close contact with. Mammalian meat allergy is a separate illness related to tick bites but another one worth being aware of as it is also on the increase in bushy coastal areas such as the northern beaches of Sydney and the Central Coast. The Australian government has recognised this disease and the increase in reported cases. Those that are affected by these tick bites will surprisingly become newly anaphylactic to mammalian meats and sometimes even to mammalian milk and gelatin. Those affected by mammalian meat allergy after a tick bite often have a significant reaction to the tick bite at the time. If you suspect you have been exposed to Lyme disease it’s important find a medical professional that not only recognises the condition but ideally specialises in the treatment. More information about the treatment of Lyme disease can be found at International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society or ILADS.org and also at karlmcmanusfoundation.org.au. Diana Arundell is a university-qualified naturopath and consults from her Avoca Naturopath clinic. She has a special interest in fertility and pregnancy health, digestive health, immune function and family wellness programs. She was a nutrition lecturer at Macquarie University for 10years, and is an accredited Journey Practitioner. FEBRUARY/MARCH – ISSUE 92 21

On the Coast – Families Issue 92 | February / March 18 | Page 21