Presenter: Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM

Original Date: June 5, 2016

There is significant controversy as whether Lyme and other co-infections can present as chronic persistent infections. In addition, there is little written as whether these “persistent infections” can present primarily with digestive manifestations and SIBO. Our experience in a Los Angeles gastroenterology practice speaks strongly of the observations that these infections can indeed present predominantly with GI manifestations. Several specific patterns of SIBO, with or without presence of vinculin/CDTb antibodies, suggest immune suppression and may be part of these manifestations. Clinicians may consider expanding their differential diagnosis to include these stealth infections when dealing with patients with recalcitrant or inflammatory type symptoms.

0.5 General CEUs approved by OBNM