Methylene blue is a repurposed drug used to treat persister Lyme (Borrelia) and Bartonella. There is also lab evidence showing it treats growing Bartonella. It likely kills growing Lyme too. While methylene blue may treat growing germs, the main reason to use it in Lyme or Bartonella infectious is to treat persisters.
In this video article, Marty Ross, MD discusses the ins and outs, including risks factors, of using methylene blue. Below the video, you can find sample antibiotic protocols for Lyme and Bartonella that include methylene blue.
Be aware, most of the important information in this article is in the video below.
Lyme and Bartonella are hard to treat for many reasons. One reason is persister Lyme and Bartonella germs ignore standard antibiotics. Based on numerous laboratory experiments since 2015, the Lyme germ and Bartonella have a growth state, as well as a hibernating, non-growing state. These hibernators are called persisters. They do not respond to regular prescription antibiotics, although they do seem to respond to many herbal antibiotics that we use.
Before starting methylene blue check a glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) blood test, If you have low levels of G6PD, methylene blue could break your red blood cells apart.
Marty Ross, MD discusses key facts, risks, and benefits of using methylene blue to treat Lyme and Bartonella.
Combine with one of the following:
Combine with one of the following to address growing spirochete and intracellular (L-form) forms of Lyme:
Combine with one of the following to address growing cyst forms of Lyme:
For additional ideas on how to treat persisters see How to Treat Persister Lyme and Bartonella.
The ideas and recommendations on this website and in this article are for informational purposes only. For more information about this, see the sitewide Terms & Conditions.
Marty Ross, MD is a passionate Lyme disease educator and clinical expert. He helps Lyme sufferers and their physicians see what really works based on his review of the science and extensive real-world experience. Dr. Ross is licensed to practice medicine in Washington State (License: MD00033296) where he has treated thousands of Lyme disease patients in his Seattle practice.
Marty Ross, MD is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine and Georgetown University Family Medicine Residency. He is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The Institute for Functional Medicine, and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
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