What is a stealth infection in Lutz FL? "Stealth infections" are chronic, low-grade infections caused by pathogens that have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to evade or suppress the human immune system. Unlike acute infections that present with clear symptoms like high fever, these pathogens—which include certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—often hide deep within tissues or inside cells, remaining undetected for years.

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Common Stealth Pathogens

Commonly identified stealth pathogens in clinical practice as of 2026 include:

• Lyme Disease and Co-infections: Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella, Babesia, and Ehrlichia.
• Persistent Viruses: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex (HSV), and Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).
• Other Microbes: Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, H. pylori, and various parasites or mold (mycotoxins).

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Impact on Inflammation and Autoimmunity

Stealth pathogens do not just "sit" in the body; they actively manipulate the host's biology, predisposing it to chronic illness through several mechanisms:

• Chronic Inflammation: By persisting in the body, these pathogens keep the immune system in a state of constant, low-level activation. This leads to systemic, chronic inflammation, which can cause widespread tissue damage.
• Molecular Mimicry: Some pathogens have proteins that look similar to the body's own tissues. When the immune system attacks the pathogen, it may accidentally begin attacking the body’s own organs, triggering autoimmunity.
• Immune Exhaustion: Continuous fighting against a hidden invader can exhaust immune defenses, making the body more susceptible to secondary infections and reducing its ability to regulate self-reactivity.
• Biofilm Formation: Many stealth bacteria create "biofilms"—slimy protective layers that shield them from both the immune system and standard antibiotic treatments.

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The Functional Medicine Approach in Lutz FL

Functional medicine practitioners prioritize "testing, not guessing" to uncover these hidden root causes. While conventional tests may return "normal" results for a patient who feels unwell, functional medicine uses specialized diagnostics:

1. Specialized Lab Panels: Doctors use advanced bloodwork to look for IgG/IgM antibody patterns and viral reactivation.
2. Gut Microbiome Testing: Stool PCR tests (like the GI-MAP) detect hidden gut pathogens and imbalances that disrupt the 80% of the immune system located in the gut.
3. Toxin Assessment: Urine mycotoxin and organic acids tests (OAT) identify environmental factors like mold that may be suppressing the immune system and allowing stealth infections to thrive.

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Improving Patient Health

Once identified, the goal is to restore the body's natural balance rather than just suppressing symptoms. Treatment plans often include:

• Targeted Antimicrobials: Using herbal protocols (e.g., garlic, wormwood, Oregano oil) that can penetrate biofilms and kill pathogens with fewer side effects than long-term antibiotics.
• Nutritional Support: High-dose Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Zinc are used to strengthen antibody formation and immune cell function.
• Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle: Adoption of anti-inflammatory diets, stress management, and moderate exercise to lower the "immune thermostat" and reduce flares.
• Detoxification: Personalized detox plans to remove heavy metals or mycotoxins that act as "fuel" for chronic inflammation.

Dr. Christine Hafer is trained to look for stealth or chronic infections and help your body remove them.  If you have symptoms that could be related to stealth infections like chronic illness, autoimmunity, unexplained pain/headaches, skin issues, or a general sense of feeling unwell, contact the office to book a consultation and see how functional medicine can help you.