What Are the “Three B’s” of Lyme Disease?
When we talk about Lyme disease, most people immediately think of Borrelia burgdorferi—the spiral-shaped bacterium responsible for the classic bullseye rash and flu-like symptoms. But for many patients, Borrelia is just one piece of a much more complicated puzzle.
In the world of tick-borne illness, there are three major pathogens that commonly show up together:
- Borrelia – the bacteria that causes Lyme disease
- Bartonella – a stealthy intracellular bacteria that often goes undetected
- Babesia – a blood parasite that behaves much like malaria
Together, these organisms are known as the “Three B’s”, and they’re among the most common and disruptive co-infections seen in patients with chronic or treatment-resistant Lyme disease.
Why Co-Infections Complicate Lyme Disease
Most people don’t realize that ticks can carry and transmit multiple infections in a single bite. This means that someone who believes they only have Lyme disease may also be battling Bartonella or Babesia—or both—without knowing it.
This co-infection dynamic is a major reason why many patients don’t respond to standard Lyme disease treatment, which typically focuses on Borrelia alone. Antibiotics may help with Borrelia, but they won’t be effective against Babesia (which is a parasite) or fully eliminate Bartonella, which hides inside cells and tissues.
In fact, many patients with persistent symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, neurological issues, anxiety, night sweats—may not test positive for Lyme at all, but still suffer from one or more of these co-infections.
That’s why it’s essential to work with a Lyme-literate doctor—someone trained to recognize the broader spectrum of tick-borne disease, like Dr. Tara, who specializes in identifying and treating these complex cases.
Let’s Break Down the “Three B’s”
Borrelia: The Bacteria That Causes Lyme Disease
- Type: Spirochete bacterium
- Transmission: Black-legged (deer) ticks, primarily in the Northeastern, Upper Midwest, and Pacific U.S.
- Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Migrating joint and muscle pain
- Neurological issues (numbness, tingling, Bell’s palsy)
- Brain fog, poor memory, mood swings
- Digestive disturbances
The Challenge:
Borrelia is notoriously tricky. It can morph into different forms—spirochete, cystic, or biofilm—each of which helps it evade the immune system and resist antibiotics. This shape-shifting ability allows it to hide deep in tissues, where it can cause persistent symptoms long after the initial infection.
Moreover, standard Lyme testing is limited in accuracy, especially in later stages. Many patients with active Borrelia infections receive false negatives, which can delay proper treatment.
Bartonella: The Stealth Infection
- Type: Intracellular bacteria
- Transmission: Ticks, fleas, lice, and even cat scratches (commonly associated with “cat scratch disease”)
- Symptoms:
- Neurological symptoms: anxiety, irritability, rage, panic attacks
- Pain in the soles of the feet (especially in the morning)
- Migrating muscle pain
- Stretch-mark-like skin rashes (red or purple streaks)
- Insomnia, headaches, light sensitivity
The Challenge:
Bartonella is called a “stealth pathogen” because it can hide inside cells—particularly blood vessels and the nervous system—making it very difficult to detect or eliminate. Blood tests often miss it unless timed correctly or using advanced labs.
It also causes neuropsychiatric symptoms that are commonly misdiagnosed as purely psychological conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or even schizophrenia.
Patients are often told “it’s all in your head,” when in fact Bartonella is inflaming the brain and central nervous system. Dr. Tara frequently sees Bartonella in patients with severe mood changes or sudden-onset anxiety that don’t respond to traditional treatments.
Babesia: The Blood Parasite
- Type: Protozoan parasite (similar to malaria)
- Transmission: Ticks (especially Ixodes scapularis, the same that transmit Lyme)
- Symptoms:
- Sweats and chills (especially night sweats)
- Shortness of breath or “air hunger”
- Dizziness, chest pressure
- Fatigue, headaches, muscle pain
- Anxiety or panic feelings
The Challenge:
Babesia infects red blood cells and is completely unaffected by antibiotics typically used for Lyme. It requires antiparasitic medications, such as atovaquone or artemisinin.
Patients with Babesia often feel like they have the flu that never ends. Their fatigue is crushing, and they may feel like they can’t catch their breath—despite normal lung tests. These symptoms can persist for years if the infection isn’t properly diagnosed and treated.
Why Standard Treatment Often Fails
Because mainstream medicine often focuses solely on Borrelia, patients with co-infections may receive incomplete care, leading to chronic illness and frustration. A basic round of antibiotics might slightly improve symptoms—but as long as Bartonella or Babesia remain unaddressed, the patient won’t truly heal.
That’s why Dr. Tara’s approach is different.
How Dr. Tara Approaches Lyme and Co-Infections
Dr. Tara specializes in root-cause, integrative care for complex chronic infections. Rather than relying solely on conventional labs and standard protocols, she uses:
- Advanced diagnostic testing: including specialty labs for co-infections that are often missed
- Comprehensive symptom mapping: identifying patterns that point to specific infections
- Customized treatment protocols: combining herbal antimicrobials, targeted pharmaceuticals, detox support, and lifestyle strategies
- Whole-body healing: addressing immune function, gut health, mitochondrial support, and mental health
Her philosophy is simple but powerful: Treat the person, not just the pathogen.
Could You Be Living with a Hidden Co-Infection?
If you’ve been diagnosed with Lyme but still feel sick—or if you’ve never tested positive but have ongoing symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, joint pain, or cognitive decline—it may be time to investigate the “Three B’s.”
These infections are more common than most doctors realize, and they’re very treatable—when properly identified.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Tara
Dr. Tara offers in-depth evaluations for Lyme disease and co-infections, helping patients uncover the full picture behind their symptoms and craft a plan for true healing.
Take the next step toward clarity and recovery.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tara today and find out whether Borrelia, Bartonella, or Babesia could be the missing pieces in your health journey.
