here is what morgellonstreatmentsteps.com has to say in regard to clamydia pnemonia and morgellons disease it is a little long, but pretty straightforward and sorry if long: Chlamydia Pneumonia Explanation:
What is Chlamydia pneumonia?
Chlamydia Pneumonia (Cpn) is a tiny, intracellular, parasitic bacteria that invades the body’s cells and steals the cell’s energy making the cell lose all functionality. It is a very difficult bacteria to culture and therefore can go undetected for a long period of time. This infection is the BIGGEST cause of Cpn related diseases including Morgellons symptoms. Once this infection is cleared up, Morgellons symptoms dissipate.
http://www.chlamydiae.com/restricted...troduction.asp http://www.chlamydiae.com/
How do you contract Cpn?
Cpn has 3 life form stages that can adapt if they are threatened:
1. Elementary Body (EB)
2. Reticulate Body (RB)
3. Cryptic Form
Cpn starts as a respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, or laryngitis. Coming into contact with an infected person’s contaminated droplets through coughing or sneezing transmits it from person to person. Once the EB forms enter the body, they can invade ANY cell (e.g., blood, brain, or immune cells). The EB forms take over the cell that they invade making the cell stop functioning…i.e., it can no longer do what it is supposed to do such as fight off infection.
http://www.cpnhelp.org/cpnbook http://www.chlamydiae.com/restricted..._pneumonia.asp
*variation of original schematic - reference:
http://www.cpnhelp.org/
What is the VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY - THERAPY OF CHRONIC CHLAMYDIAL INFECTIONS?
This is a protocol written by Charles W. Stratton, MD and William M. Mitchell, MD PhD at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. It was designed to treat patients with different forms of systemic / chronic chlamydial infections. It is currently being prescribed with GREAT SUCCESS RATES for patients with Morgellons symptoms. Stratton et al's protocol calls for multiple antibiotic use, which addresses Cpn in its different life stage forms. This information is explained in simplified terms below.
http://www.cpnhelp.org/?q=node/6
What is the Treatment in simple, understandable terms?
A two-week course of a single antibiotic is NOT EFFECTIVE. Taking this approach will only cause the remaining bacteria to change forms, subsequently causing the patient to relapse at a later date.
The only way to cure Cpn is to take a combination of antibiotics to kill all the forms in order to prevent relapse. The amount of infection will determine the length of treatment…1-3 years of treatment is expected. During the course of treatment, latent viruses may re-emerge due to the death of some of the immune cells that kept them under control. Toxin release will also play a key role in the treatment process. It is important to anticipate the herxheimer reactions that will occur and be prepared for them so they do not cause additional anxiety. Massive toxin release should be avoided due to the potential for inducing a severe and potentially life-threatening herxheimer reaction. It is suggested that the treatment outlined should be followed and adjusted as needed to help the individual tolerate the anticipated flare of symptoms.
The following MUST be taken in the combination suggested for at least 6 months (1 to 3 years duration may be necessary) in order to ensure successful treatment:
1. Amoxicillin and an amino acid NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)
- Suggested adult dosage: Give 500 mg once a day
- Amoxicillin kills the infectious spore-like EB forms, which build up in the tissues
- When the EB forms are killed, they release toxins that will cause tissue inflammation
- It is important not to go too fast with this treatment
- If the patient is allergic, Penicillamine (125 mg every 12 hours can be substituted)
- for more info, refer to this:
http://www.cpnhelp.org/?q=node/6
2. Doxycycline
- Kills the RB form
- Suggested adult dosage: Give one 250 mg dosage, wait two weeks in case of any reaction
- If no reaction, Suggested adult dosage: give 250 mg daily
3a. Azithromycin (Zithromax)
- Kills the RB forms
- Suggested adult dosage: Give one 250 mg dosage, wait two weeks in case of any reaction
- If no reaction, give 250 mg Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
---- OR ----
3b. Rifampin
- Prevents the EBs from converting into RBs
- Suggested adult dosage: Give 150 mg BID (twice a day)
4a. Flagyl (Metronidazole)
- Suggested dosage: give 500 mg for 5 days duration every month (called a "pulse")
- May opt to take 500 mg one time a week, instead of 5 consecutive days every month
- Will kill the Cryptic form of Cpn
---- OR -----
4b. Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid or Macrodantin)
- Suggested dosage: Take 200 mg daily
5. Isnoniazid (INH)
- Suggested adult dosage: 300 mg QD (once daily)
- It is important to take Vit B-6 with this medication
6. Keflex (Cephalexin) - optional treatment for stubborn lesions
- This is a cephalosporin antibiotic that works similar to the IV version called Rocephin
(ceftriaxone)
- Suggested adult dosage: 250 to 500 mg daily
7. Diflucan (Fluconazole)
- It is important to take an antifungal medication to control candida (yeast)
- Suggested adult dosage: 100 mg weekly or bi-weekly
8. Probiotics such as acidophilus
- will help control yeast and restore friendly bacteria
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/l...lus-000310.htm
9. Multivitamins
- Refer to link:
http://www.cpnhelp.org/allsupplementspdf
10. Anti-inflammatory agents such as Ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc.
- will help control inflammation and pain during treatment
http://www.cpnhelp.org/the_basics_page
Regular follow-up tests recommended:
- CBC & Differential
- Liver function tests
- Vitamin D levels
- Thyroid panels (standard plus free T4, free T3, reverse T3)
- AST
- ALT
- Others as determined by doctor relevant to your particular condition
- Repeat blood tests for chlamydia are recommended every six months
The goal:
- A negative blood culture or whole blood PCR for chlamydia (Blood collected in citrated tube.)
- Negative IgM titers (< 1:50)
- Low IgG titers (< 1:200) (Blood collected in red top tube.)
http://www.cpnhelp.org/strattonprotocolupdate http://www.cpnhelp.org/?q=node/6
Once the immune system "re-sets" itself, 12 - 15 mg doses of an antihelminth medication such as Ivermectin (Stromectol) can be given as needed. This medication will eliminate any remaining parasitic infection. If it is given prior to treatment, it will not be as effective and will require extremely high dosages. For this reason, this medication should be given after Cpn treatment has been successfully initiated.
Is there a Vaccine for Cpn?
Rumors have been circulating that a vaccine for Morgellons is in the works. Actually, the vaccine that has been researched and is being developed is to eradicate Chlamydia Pneumonia (the primary suspected cause for immune system dysfunction and subsequent onset of Morgellons symptoms). The vaccine has been developed by Vanderbilt University and is being tested in the United Kingdom. It has already been tested on dogs with excellent success rates and is now being tested on primates.