Lone Star Tick

[browneyesmom]

Adult Female Lone Star Tick

 

I'm not sure if this photo will post, but do you recognize her? I hope not. She's a female Lone Star tick and she was on my PANDAS child on Sunday. We're treating with Doxy for a few weeks, just to be on the safe side.

 

In the meantime, I need some info. This tick carries a disease known as S.T.A.R.I., which stands for Southern Tick Associated Rash Infection and it can produce a bulls-eye rash as well as symptoms consistent with Lyme Disease.

 

Does anyone know what antibiotics are effective against S.T.A.R.I., or if any are needed in addition to the Doxycycline?

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited May 9, 2012 by browneyesmom

[mama2alex]

"Southern Tick-Associated Rash Infection" IS Lyme Disease. If your doctor is telling you otherwise, you need to get to an LLMD. Here is the story of how Lyme Disease came to be called "S.T.A.R.I." in the south: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emerging-diseases/200906/rebel-cause-the-incredible-dr-masters-part-1 This is from Pamela Weintraub, the author of the book "Cure Unknown." She doesn't specifically mention "S.T.A.R.I." until section IV.

 

You'll need to talk to a doctor who treats Lyme and acknowledges that it exists (is not a "rash disease" of unknown origin) in the south to know what other antibiotics are needed. Your child should also be checked for coinfections (Bartonella, Babesia, Erlichia, etc).

[browneyesmom]

Thanks Mama2Alex. No, he's not telling me otherwise. He was eager to treat for Lyme. I read it on the web somewhere about this specific tick. Does Doxycycline not cover Bartonella, Babesia or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever? I understand it does cover Ehrlichiosis, based on what another doc told me over a year ago during a discussion we had about tick borne infections. Our Ped is willing to add abx if the Doxy does not cover everything this tick carries. I just need info on what else we might need to add. I called an LLMD, who I'd like to ask, but he is out of the office the next few days.

 

TIA for any input.

 

 

"Southern Tick-Associated Rash Infection" IS Lyme Disease. If your doctor is telling you otherwise, you need to get to an LLMD. Here is the story of how Lyme Disease came to be called "S.T.A.R.I." in the south: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emerging-diseases/200906/rebel-cause-the-incredible-dr-masters-part-1 This is from Pamela Weintraub, the author of the book "Cure Unknown." She doesn't specifically mention "S.T.A.R.I." until section IV.

 

You'll need to talk to a doctor who treats Lyme and acknowledges that it exists (is not a "rash disease" of unknown origin) in the south to know what other antibiotics are needed. Your child should also be checked for coinfections (Bartonella, Babesia, Erlichia, etc).

[smartyjones]

brown eyes -- sorry to say, and i know b/c i took one off my son last weekend also -- according to my state's dept of ag (which i think may only be one state north of you) -- the lone star tick is a possible carrier of rocky mountain spotted fever, q fever, tularemia, tick paralysis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, all in addition to STARI.

 

note -- that's according to what the state dept of ag. acknowledges.

 

so yeah, i'd say consult with that LLMD!

 

 

good luck and i'm shaking my head sadly with you!