Very common.
One way of assessing the rate of infections is by looking for antibodies. This underestimates the rate of infection, because infections do not always generate antibodies, and antibodies can be lost during a persistent infection. However, antibodies can be detected in a simple blood test, making them the most useful measure of prevalence.
So what fraction of the population has antibodies to pathogens that produce chronic disease?
One representative study [1], conducted among Alaskan Eskimos, found that:
- 94% were infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV), 90% with herpes simplex 1 (HSV1), 38% with herpes simplex 2 (HSV2), 80% to H. pylori, and 42% to C. pneumoniae.
- Over 70% had antibodies to at least 3 of the five pathogens tested.
- Seropositivity increased with age: a majority had antibodies to HSV2 and C. pneumoniae by age 45.
Infection rates are similar in other populations. Let’s look just at C. pneumoniae:
- Among Japanese, 59% to 73% have antibodies. [2] Dr. Naoyuki Miyashita notes that “C. pneumoniae is widely distributed and that nearly everybody is infected with the agent at some time.” [3]
- Among Finns, the prevalence of antibodies rises sharply through childhood, reaching 70% in 15-19 year olds. In elderly Finnish men, prevalence is 100%. [4]
- Among Israelis, 31% of children and 74% of adults are antibody-positive. [5]
- Among Italian schoolchildren, 29% have antibodies, and the prevalence increases steadily with age. [6]
- In Singapore, antibody prevalence is 75% in men and 65% in women. By age group, it is 46.5% at ages 18-29 and 78.9% above age 40. [7]
Keeping in mind that C. pneumoniae infections often do not trigger antibody production, it seems certain that by age 40 nearly everyone has been infected.
Likewise there is no avoiding infection with other chronic pathogens. Likely agents include bacteria like Mycoplasma and viruses like cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, and HSV1.
These infections cause few symptoms in the young. Over time, however, pathogens reproduce within the body and increase their numbers. The immune system is gradually overpowered. In the elderly, symptoms of chronic infection become increasingly common.
A thesis of this blog is that most of what we consider “aging” is not a natural degeneration of the human body, but increasing debilitation from chronic infections. Cardiovascular disease, dementia and memory loss, neuropathy and lost balance and falls, “grouchy old man” syndrome, cold intolerance, inflamed and arthritic joints – these are all symptoms of chronic infection.
But this is good news. Through diet, nutrition, and antibiotics, we can cure chronic infections. By doing so, nearly everyone can hope to maintain vitality and good health to a ripe old age – 100, or older.
[1] Zhu J et al. Prevalence and persistence of antibodies to herpes viruses, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori in Alaskan Eskimos: the GOCADAN Study. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2006 Feb;12(2):118-22. http://pmid.us/16441448.
[2] Miyashita N et al. Seroepidemiology of Chlamydia pneumoniae in Japan between 1991 and 2000. J Clin Pathol. 2002 Feb;55(2):115-7. http://pmid.us/11865005.
[3] Miyashita N. [Chlamydia pneumoniae infections]. Kekkaku. 2006 Sep;81(9):581-8. http://pmid.us/17037392.
[4] Tuuminen T et al. Prevalence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae immunoglobulin G and A antibodies in a healthy Finnish population as analyzed by quantitative enzyme immunoassays. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 2000 Sep;7(5):734-8. http://pmid.us/10973446.
[5] Ben-Yaakov M et al. Prevalence of antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae in an Israeli population without clinical evidence of respiratory infection. J Clin Pathol. 2002 May;55(5):355-8. http://pmid.us/11986341.
[6] Dal Molin G et al. A population based seroepidemiological survey of Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in schoolchildren. J Clin Pathol. 2005 Jun;58(6):617-20. http://pmid.us/15917413.
[7] Koh WP et al. Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae in Chinese, Malays and Asian Indians in Singapore. Int J Epidemiol. 2002 Oct;31(5):1001-7. http://pmid.us/12435775.
via this link:
What are the best ways to identify infections? How were they identified in these studies?
I’ve had a 3 day stool test but no pathogens were found but I do believe I have a chronic infection causing my health to deteriorate. Perhaps I should try another lab?
My CRP has gone up- last tests showed CRP 25 and CRP 12 in last few months (used to be <1). My TSH has gone up from 1.5 (few years ago) to 4 +! My Vit D was quite good approx 83 nmol/L (much better than previous results).
Doctors all say my results are fine/normal. I shouldn't be concerned etc…
I don't know what to do. No one can identify the problem. I'm trying to follow PHD as best I can but I still had symptoms flaring up recently: a-typical UTI and burning sensation in tummy even when other symptoms cleared for 2 weeks now. I often have a mild pain in my very lower left side of tummy. I've also started getting anxiety type symptoms this year which is very unusual for me e.g. tight chest/'air hunger' mainly in the evenings.
Are there other tests I could do or what to look out for in blood tests to give me more clues about what is going on?
This all started 1 year ago (when I was already following reasonably healthy eating WAPF style with minmal grains) I developed what felt like food poisoning with yellow liquid diahrrea that then led to the tummy pain. Symptoms subside and then this past year keep reoccuring (but more mild each time). To me it feels like the infection has spread from the gut into the body as my body hasn't been able to overcome it.
Any tips on what else I can do to help my body overcome this would be very much appreciated! Thank you so much.
Sorry I’ve just re read the paper and see that it was a blood test done for antibodies. I wonder if it’s worth doing that? But then which pathogen to test for?
Perhaps I should try another labs stool test that does a more sensitive method e.g. PCR?
By the way, I’m only 30. I need to stay strong and healthy to look after my 3 young children 🙂
So, I’ve had RA for over 38 years and recently tested negative for an active c. pneumonia infection, but positive for antibodies to it. Can you please explain what this means? Did this bacteria trigger my RA? Is it something I need to be treated for, even though tests showed there is no active infection?
Thanks, Paul, for all your research!
Youi should be tested for Lyme using Labcorp western blot. And also be tested for the 4 principle mycoplasma infections. IGG and IGM should be used for both infections.
How do you recommend slowing down EPV, C. pneumonia and mycoplasma infections? Thank you so much for all the valuable information on your site! It is a wealth of knowledge!
Hi Paul,
I have another question.
I am sure to have a Ch.Pneumoniae infection.
If you remember, by changing my diet my health is tremendous improved (I am the vegetarian follower including eggs and raw cheese, butter).
Also, Glycin and NAC and some vegetarian collagen as well as a bit of fresh algae omega 3 oil).
I recently noticed I feel full much earlier which I interprete as a good sign.
Some issues which I have a few years are still there:
Pain in achilles, neck, back.
Pain in my left testicle.
Pain during urination.
Flatulences and milder stomach pain.
sometimes feeling very tired.
Also, my LDL is higher than usual during my last test.
These all are signs of a chronic Chl. P. infection- perhaps I have it since birth, because my parents share some issues and have some more.
I have a very open doctor supporting my way, but she might be no expert at this.
Yesterday, it was supp-day taking the weekly zinc amount. This night I slept bad and all issues came up hard. I think its due to the zinc – but I will keep the strategy taking it once a week to get enough but let the chronic infection not get it every day.
1) Should I just continue and wait for a longer time if it improved by my better immune system alone?
2)Would you consider an antibiotics therapy? Unfortunately, cpnhelp.org is down.
What antibiotics would you take and how frequent/long?
I thought about asking my docmfor doxyclin daily and 3x week azythromycin which I read on a German blog. Good idea? If yes, how long would you go?
Best from Germany,
Johannes Baur
P.S. At the moment I am able to really live much of the PHD lifestyle including searching for rose hips, mushrooms, apples etc. in the wilderness. I also ferment a lot of vegetables by myself. I walk on a regular base and really like to dive into this hunter gatherer lifestyle.
Servus Johannes
Bei chronischen Infektionen kann ich dir in Deutschland wärmstens Rolf Jansen Rosseck empfehlen. Bei Chlamydien etc hilft leider manchmal nichts anderes als Antibiotika. Habe das auch schon durch. Ernährung ist die Basis aber bei chronischen Infektionen muss oft mehr sein.
Gruß Arne