What is Bartonella? 

Bartonella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria that can infect humans and animals, often transmitted through fleas, lice, and ticks. Some species in this genus cause serious diseases in humans, and the bacteria are known for being stealthy and persistent, often leading to chronic infections that are hard to diagnose and treat.

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is the most well-known and typically mildest form of Bartonella infection in humans. It’s caused by the Bartonella henselae species and is usually transmitted via a scratch or bite from a cat or kitten with infected fleas. 

Getting lab work done during Lyme disease treatment is very important, but how often and which tests depends on your symptoms, stage of illness, and treatment approach (e.g., antibiotics, herbals, or advanced protocols like Dapsone or Methylene Blue).

Dapsone works by:

• Inhibiting neutrophils, which gives it anti-inflammatory effects
  
  
• Antimicrobial activity (mostly against specific bacteria and protozoa)
  
  

Dapsone has niche uses in medicine due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Whether it’s a good treatment for an immunosuppressed patient depends heavily on the individual’s condition, risks, and the clinical setting.

Dapsone is rarely used here, unless:

• There’s an autoimmune skin involvement
  
  
• There’s suspicion of Lyme/Bartonella coinfection with high neutrophilic activity
  
  
• You’re working with a Lyme-literate or integrative physician who’s using it for immune modulation as part of a complex protocol
  
  

Methylene blue is a promising tool for Lyme patients with neurologic symptoms, Babesia, mitochondrial dysfunction, or intolerance to harsh antibiotics. It’s best used under the guidance of a Lyme-literate MD (LLMD) who understands redox, drug interactions, and dosing.

Methylene Blue versus Dapsone

Neurocognitive Symptoms (Brain Fog, Memory Loss, Fatigue)

• MB crosses the blood-brain barrier and improves mitochondrial energy metabolism in neurons.
  
  
• Lyme patients with neuroborreliosis, PANS/PANDAS-like symptoms, or post-treatment fatigue syndrome may benefit more from MB than from dapsone.
  
  

Better candidate for:

• Severe brain fog
  
  
• Chronic fatigue not improving with antibiotics
  
  
• Cognitive slowdown, memory lapses, word-finding issues
  
  

Final Takeaway

Labs are important—for safety, clarity, and progress tracking—but in Lyme disease, they’re not the whole story. The best care comes from combining lab data with clinical judgment and deep knowledge of tick-borne illness.

Top 3 Antioxidant & Oxidative Stress-Reducing Supplements

1. Glutathione (GSH)

• The body’s master antioxidant
  
  
• Crucial for detoxification, mitochondrial function, and immune modulation
  
  
• Best forms: Liposomal glutathione, S-Acetyl glutathione, or IV glutathione
  
  

Use if: fatigue, mold toxicity, Lyme, neurological symptoms

Avoid if sulfur-sensitive or CBS mutation

2. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

• Precursor to glutathione
  
  
• Reduces inflammation and protects lungs, brain, and liver
  
  
• Also helpful for biofilm breakdown in Lyme
  
  

Use if: mold exposure, oxidative stress, mental fatigue

Interacts with nitroglycerin, not ideal for sulfur-sensitive individuals

3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

• Water-soluble antioxidant
  
  
• Supports immune system and tissue repair
  
  
• Enhances detox and recycles other antioxidants (like glutathione)
  
  

Dr. Blissenbach has openings for new Lyme disease patients. Please contact us to schedule your consultation. We have included a Lyme disease patient questionnaire below.