Biofilm

Before hearing about biofilm at ILADS, I had this image of an umbrella or a hunter’s blind that the bugs could hide under. That image was shattered when I heard about the current research being done by Dr. Sapi on Biofilm. Biofilm has a 3D architecture and is like Facebook for bugs. The bugs form colonies that communicate with each other and there are many different kinds of bacteria found in Biofilm. They exchange genetic material and information, which means they can change.

According to Dr. Alan Mac Donald, Biofilm is well structured, especially the ones created by Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). It is a structure that creates a leather-like crust that is difficult to penetrate. Bb morphs into many varying forms of itself including Blebs and Persister cells. Blebs are not true bacteria but are like liposomes that contain the DNA of the bug. They can only be seen with an electron microscope. They are compounds that contain Osp A, C, etc. The cystic form of Bb sheds Blebs as well.  They are capable of doing injury and act like weapons which cause transfection by penetrating T Lymphocytes, causing more Lyme. Once a person is transfected they have Lyme for life. Blebs also cause autoimmunity, stimulating a T and B cell immune response.

Persister cells are identically the same as original cells and cause recurrence of infection after treatment is ended.  They hide in the Biofilm and go dormant, continuing to survive until they are shed to repopulate outside of the Biofilm. Persisters are killed by pulsing antibiotics, using multiple antibiotics or herbals, and by dissolving the Biofilm.

Once Biofilm is mobilized it requires massive doses of Biofilm busters. There are several different Biofilm busters available to use.  I recommend you seek the advice of your Lyme literate provider for which ones are best for you. Some require an order. Others can be dangerous in too high dosing so monitoring different labs is an important aspect of treatment. Examples of Biofilm busters include Bolouke or Lumbrokinase, Nattokinase, Serpetidekinase, Claire’s Interphase, and other plant enzymes. I like to muscle test for which ones work and which dose is most effective. Samento and Banderol work well together. Tinidazole and Rifampin also break apart Biofilm. Ca EDTA is a heavy metal chelator and works to disrupt Biofilm.  Finally, Heparin is effective but can only be used for a month as it causes osteoporosis if used too long. However, if you are sensitive this can be too much for you. Remember that when the biofilm is melted, you have more bugs circulating, which can cause a more severe HERX. It is all about balance when treating and each person is unique. Please work with your Lyme-literate provider to find the perfect biofilm treatment that works for you.

Blessings, Mara