It’s a fair concern. Mold toxicity has received growing attention, and some patients with chronic Lyme disease are told that mold is the real issue—or that detoxing from mold is the missing link.

But in my experience, treating mold without addressing a persistent tick-borne infection seldom leads to sustained improvement.

So let’s break it down—in the form of a clinical dialogue.

💬 A Clinical Dialogue on Mold, Mycotoxins, and Lyme Disease

Cameron: One of my patients came to me after months of fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog. She said, “My doctor thinks it’s all mold-related. But I tested positive for Lyme, too. Could mold be causing everything?”

Colleague: Mold exposure can definitely worsen symptoms—especially in someone already battling an infection. But it’s not always the primary issue.

Cameron: That’s what I’ve seen. Mold can be part of the picture. But when I focus only on mold and ignore a persistent Borrelia or Babesia infection, patients don’t get better—or they relapse.

Colleague: So you see mold as a compounding factor?

Cameron: Exactly. Mold may impair the immune system, worsen inflammation, or trigger mast cell activation. But in my practice, it’s rarely the root cause. Once I treat the infection, many mold-sensitive patients stabilize—even without aggressive detox protocols.

Colleague: What about patients with a history of mold illness?

Cameron: I take it seriously. When mold is a concern, I refer patients to professionals who specialize in environmental and mycotoxin evaluation. But I always ask: “Is this patient sick because of mold—or is mold just adding fuel to an untreated infection?”

🔬 What the Research Shows

• Mold exposure (especially to mycotoxins like ochratoxin A or trichothecenes) can cause fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and immune dysregulation.

• Patients with chronic Lyme often develop heightened sensitivities—including to mold, chemicals, and foods—especially when co-infections are present.

• There’s no evidence that mold treatment alone resolves persistent Lyme disease.

• Treating mold without treating the infection can lead to partial, short-lived improvement—or none at all.

⚖️ Why Clinical Judgment Still Matters

• Mold may exacerbate symptoms, but it is often not the source of illness.

• Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella can mimic or magnify mold-related symptoms.

• Overemphasis on mold detox may delay effective treatment.

• I’ve seen patients go through mold protocols for years—with little change—until we addressed their infection.

🩺 What I Do in My Practice

• I refer patients to mold and environmental specialists when mold exposure is considered.

• I evaluate for persistent Lyme disease and co-infections like Babesia or Bartonella.

• I prioritize antimicrobial and antiparasitic treatment when clinical evidence supports it.

• I address mold when necessary, but I seldom see lasting improvement when mold is treated without also addressing a persistent infection.

• My focus is on treating what I can verify—starting with the infection—and then supporting recovery step by step.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Mold can make Lyme disease symptoms worse—but mold is not Lyme disease.

If symptoms persist despite mold protocols, it’s worth asking: “Is there a persistent infection underneath it all?”

In my practice, patients make the most progress when we stop chasing symptoms—and start treating the underlying infection.