Four Strategies for Overcoming a Recurring Brucellosis Infection

For people with relapsing sweats, arthritis, and weakness caused by a persistent brucellosis infection
by Greg Lee

When I was young, I had a pet chameleon. He had an amazing ability to change colors to match his environment. He could somehow change from green to brown in a few minutes. I remember looking for him many times outside of his tank because I thought he had escaped. Fortunately, he was really good at appearing just like other things in his terrarium.

What can camouflaged chameleons teach you about overcoming a chronic Brucellosis infection?

Similar to a chameleon, brucellosis can present symptoms similar to other tick borne illnesses
Brucellosis is a very small rod shaped bacteria that penetrates into cells in the early stages of infection. In this stage, a person can have repeating fevers, sweats, migratory aches and pains¹. If untreated, this infection in later stages can concentrate in bones, joints, organs, lymphatic system, and the nervous system. Prolonged infection can produce: sweats that have a smell like wet hay, testicular inflammation, inflammation of the vertebrae and discs, neurological disorders collectively known as neurobrucellosis, hepatitis, swelling of the liver or spleen, endocarditis, arthritis, anemia, uveitis, optic neuritis, endocarditis, meningitis, miscarriage, chronic fatigue, and depression². Unfortunately, misdiagnosis of brucellosis is much higher than you think.

Misdiagnosis of brucellosis patients was greater than 50%
In one study, over 2000 cases of brucellosis were misdiagnosed 57% of the time in clinics in China³. This is believed to be due to the similarity of brucellosis symptoms with other diseases. The misdiagnosis is believed to contribute to the growing number of chronic infections in China. Blood tests can give false negatives⁴ which also leads to misdiagnosis. Unfortunately, brucellosis has been misdiagnosed in the United States⁵ also. Fortunately, electro-dermal scans can help to discern the difference between brucellosis and similar tick borne illnesses. Most cases are treated with a combination of antibiotics. However, drug resistant brucellosis strains are emerging worldwide.

Antibiotic resistant brucellosis infections are being found in different areas of the world
Most cases of infection are transmitted through eating unpasteurized dairy products, contact with infected animals, meat products, or animal waste. Brucellosis has also been found in ticks⁶ which play a role in transmitting the disease. The different brucellosis species that can create chronic infections in humans include: B. melitensis, B. abortus, B. suis, B. canis, B. ceti, B. pinnipediae⁷. In multiple studies, antibiotic resistant brucellosis strains have been found in North America⁸, western Asia⁹, and the Middle East¹⁰. B. abortus can form biofilms¹¹ and B. melitensis produces compounds typically found in biofilms¹². Biofilms can increase drug resistance up to five-thousand fold¹³. In addition to developing drug resistance, these germs hide inside cells which makes killing them much more difficult.

What else besides antibiotics can help you fight a drug resistant, biofilm, and intracellular brucellosis infection?

Here are four strategies for overcoming a relapsing brucellosis infection
Fortunately, there are four remedies and treatments that can help to overcome a chronic brucellosis infection. These strategies help to fight drug resistant brucellosis species and cut through biofilms and penetrate into cells and reservoirs where the germs are hiding.

Strategy #1: Anti-Brucellosis Essential Oils
A number of essential oils have been found to inhibit B. melitensis and B. abortus. One species of oregano, Origanum syriacum, and one species of thyme, Thymus syriacus, had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against drug-resistant B. melitensis at 3.125 µl/ml and 6.25 µl/ml in one lab study¹⁴. In another lab study, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) had the highest inhibition of intracellular B. abortus at 1% concentration. When much lower concentrations, 0.1%, of cinnamon essential oil were combined with a 1% concentration of peppermint (M. piperita), marjoram (O. majorana), lemon (C. lemon) or nutmeg (M. fragrans) essential oils, the combination had a synergistic inhibitory effect against intracellular B. abortus¹⁵.

Some of these essential oils also demonstrate anti-biofilm activity against other pathogens. Oregano essential oils attenuate biofilm formation is multiple Staphylococcus species¹⁶. Thyme and oregano essential oils suppress Salmonella biofilms¹⁷. Cinnamon essential oil inhibits or kills multiple biofilms of Staphylococcus epidermidis¹⁸, Candida species¹⁹, and E. coli²⁰. Peppermint essential oil inhibits biofilms from Candida²¹ and Strep²². Not only essential oils, but also herbs demonstrate anti-brucella properties.

Strategy #2: Liposomal Anti-brucellosis Herbs
In one study, three herbs called denak (Oliveria decumbens), saffron (Crocus sativus), and clary sage (Salvia sclarea) demonstrated anti-brucella properties²³. Processing these herbs into a liposomal mixture increases their ability to penetrate into macrophage cells²⁴, biofilms, joints, and the nervous system²⁵ where brucellosis likes to hide. In addition to herbs, homeopathic remedies can help to fight off a chronic brucellosis infection.

Strategy #3: Anti-brucellosis Homeopathic Series Remedies
There are brucellosis homeopathic remedies that are designed specifically for attacking this infection. A more effective strategy than taking a single homeopathic remedy is to use a series of homeopathic remedies that increase in strength. Over a month’s time, these remedies are taken in a sequence starting with a lowest to highest potency to work on deeper levels where the infection is hiding. After the highest potency remedy is taken, then the remedies are taken again in a reverse order from the highest to lowest to address remaining vestiges of the infection. Besides homeopathics, Frequency Specific Microcurrent can help eliminate a brucellosis infection.

Strategy #4 Antibacterial and Antitoxin Frequency Specific Microcurrent
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses millionth of an amp electrical currents to promote healing and reduce infection. Antibacterial frequencies, antitoxin frequencies can be combined with guiding frequencies to target infections hiding in the nervous system, T-cells, lymphatic system, under biofilms, inside joints and bones²⁶. Using multiple remedies and treatment can help to fight off a relapsing brucellosis infection.

A targeted approach of remedies and treatment can help you to fight off a persistent brucellosis infection
Similar to finding a well-camouflaged chameleon, an electro-dermal scan can help to find a hidden brucellosis infection. Using the proper anti-brucellosis essential oils, herbs, and homeopathics can help to penetrate into the hiding places where brucellosis can cause recurring symptoms. Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatment can also help to zap hidden infections throughout the body. This combination of natural medicines and treatment can help to significantly reduce the persistent fatigue, sweats, and migrating pains caused by brucellosis. Since these strategies can lead to uncomfortable Herxheimer toxic reactions and these remedies come with cautions on their use, work with a Lyme literate herbalist and essential oil practitioner to develop a safe and effective strategy for your condition.

– Greg

P.S. Do you have experiences where treatment or remedies helped you eliminate or reduce sweats, arthritis, or weakness from a brucellosis infection? Tell us about it.

>> Next step: Join our Heal for Real community to learn more about treatments, essential oils, herbs, and homeopathic remedies for brucellosis, bartonella, Babesia, Lyme disease, mold, parasites, and symptoms like abnormal sweats, weakness, arthritis, fatigue, inflammation, and pain. https://www.lymeresearchcenter.com/HFR

1. Diseases and Conditions Brucellosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brucellosis/basics/symptoms/con-20028263
2. Brucellosis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brucellosis
3. Wang Y, Zhang W, Ke Y, Zhen Q, Yuan X, Zou W, Li S, Sun Y, Wang Z, Wang D, Cui B, Song H, Huang L, Chen Z. Human brucellosis, a heterogeneously distributed, delayed, and misdiagnosed disease in China. Clin Infect Dis. 2013 Mar;56(5):750-1. doi: 10.1093/cid/cis980. Epub 2012 Nov 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175566
4. Janmohammadi N, Roushan MR. False negative serological tests may lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement in osteoarticular brucellosis. Trop Doct. 2009 Apr;39(2):88-90. doi: 10.1258/td.2008.080042. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19299290
5. Carrington M, Choe U, Ubillos S, Stanek D, Campbell M, Wansbrough L, Lee P, Churchwell G, Rosas K, Zaki SR, Drew C, Paddock CD, Deleon-Carnes M, Guerra M, Hoffmaster AR, Tiller RV, De BK. Fatal case of brucellosis misdiagnosed in early stages of Brucella suis infection in a 46-year-old patient with Marfan syndrome. J Clin Microbiol. 2012 Jun;50(6):2173-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00573-12. Epub 2012 Apr 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22495564
6. M. M. Zheludkov and L. E. Tsirelson. Reservoirs of Brucella infection in nature. Biology Bulletin December 2010, Volume 37, Issue 7, pp 709-715. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134%2FS106235901007006X
7. Brucellosis. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/brucellosis/clinicians/brucella-species.html
8. López-Merino A, Contreras-Rodríguez A, Migranas-Ortiz R, Orrantia-Gradín R, Hernández-Oliva GM, Gutiérrez-Rubio AT, Cardeñosa O. Susceptibility of Mexican brucella isolates to moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and other antimicrobials used in the treatment of human brucellosis. Scand J Infect Dis. 2004;36(9):636-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15370648
9. Tanyel E, Coban AY, Koruk ST, Simsek H, Hepsert S, Cirit OS, Tulek N. Actual antibiotic resistance pattern of Brucella melitensis in central Anatolia. An update from an endemic region. Saudi Med J. 2007 Aug;28(8):1239-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17676210
10. Dimitrov Ts, Panigrahi D, Emara M, Awni F, Passadilla R. Seroepidemiological and microbiological study of brucellosis in Kuwait. Med Princ Pract. 2004 Jul-Aug;13(4):215-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15181327
11. Almirón MA, Roset MS, Sanjuan N. The Aggregation of Brucella abortus Occurs Under Microaerobic Conditions and Promotes Desiccation Tolerance and Biofilm Formation. Open Microbiol J. 2013 Mar 22;7:87-91. doi: 10.2174/1874285801307010087. Print 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23802025
12. Godefroid M, Svensson MV, Cambier P, Uzureau S, Mirabella A, De Bolle X, Van Cutsem P, Widmalm G, Letesson JJ. Brucella melitensis 16M produces a mannan and other extracellular matrix components typical of a biofilm. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2010 Aug;59(3):364-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2010.00689.x. Epub 2010 Apr 20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20497223
13. Del Pozo JL, Rouse MS, Patel R. Bioelectric effect and bacterial biofilms. A systematic review. Int J Artif Organs. 2008 Sep;31(9):786-95. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18924090
14. Al-Mariri A, Safi M. The Antibacterial Activity of Selected Labiatae (Lamiaceae) Essential Oils against Brucella melitensis. Iran J Med Sci. 2013 Mar;38(1):44-50. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23645957
15. Al-Mariri A, Saour G, Hamou R. In vitro antibacterial effects of five volatile oil extracts against intramacrophage Brucella abortus 544. Iran J Med Sci. 2012 Jun;37(2):119-25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23115441
16. Nostro A, Sudano Roccaro A, Bisignano G, Marino A, Cannatelli MA, Pizzimenti FC, Cioni PL, Procopio F, Blanco AR. Effects of oregano, carvacrol and thymol on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. J Med Microbiol. 2007 Apr;56(Pt 4):519-23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17374894
17. Soni KA, Oladunjoye A, Nannapaneni R, Schilling MW, Silva JL, Mikel B, Bailey RH. Inhibition and inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium biofilms from polystyrene and stainless steel surfaces by essential oils and phenolic constituent carvacrol. J Food Prot. 2013 Feb;76(2):205-12. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-12-196. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23433366
18. Nuryastuti T, van der Mei HC, Busscher HJ, Iravati S, Aman AT, Krom BP. Effect of cinnamon oil on icaA expression and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2009 Nov;75(21):6850-5. doi: 10.1128/AEM.00875-09. Epub 2009 Sep 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19749058
19. Pires RH, Montanari LB, Martins CH, Zaia JE, Almeida AM, Matsumoto MT, Mendes-Giannini MJ. Anticandidal efficacy of cinnamon oil against planktonic and biofilm cultures of Candida parapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis. Mycopathologia. 2011 Dec;172(6):453-64. doi: 10.1007/s11046-011-9448-0. Epub 2011 Jul 15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21761153
20. Niu C, Gilbert ES. Colorimetric method for identifying plant essential oil components that affect biofilm formation and structure. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2004 Dec;70(12):6951-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15574886
21. Saharkhiz MJ, Motamedi M, Zomorodian K, Pakshir K, Miri R, Hemyari K. Chemical Composition, Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of the Essential Oil of Mentha piperita L.ISRN Pharm. 2012;2012:718645. doi: 10.5402/2012/718645. Epub 2012 Dec 13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23304561
22. Rasooli I, Shayegh S, Taghizadeh M, Astaneh SD. Phytotherapeutic prevention of dental biofilm formation. Phytother Res. 2008 Sep;22(9):1162-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2387. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18729251
23. Motamedi H, Darabpour E, Gholipour M, Seyyed Nejad SM. In vitro assay for the anti-Brucella activity of medicinal plants against tetracycline-resistant Brucella melitensis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2010 Jul;11(7):506-11. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B0900365. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20593515
24. Pumerantz A, Muppidi K, Agnihotri S, Guerra C, Venketaraman V, Wang J, Betageri G. Preparation of liposomal vancomycin and intracellular killing of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2011 Feb;37(2):140-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.10.011. Epub 2010 Dec 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21130608
25. Alhariri M, Azghani A, Omri A. Liposomal antibiotics for the treatment of infectious diseases. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2013 Nov;10(11):1515-32. doi: 10.1517/17425247.2013.822860. Epub 2013 Jul 26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23886421
26. Frequency Specific Microcurrent Advanced Summary Protocols. https://www.frequencyspecific.com/faq.php#protocol

Image courtesy of DanielCD or Wikimedia Commons.