Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) was coined in 2003 by Dr. Richard Shoemaker in Pocomoke, Maryland when he began seeing a multitude of patients with mold toxicity from water-damaged buildings. However, CIRS is also found in ciguatera and cyanobacteria exposure, post Lyme syndrome, recluse spider bites, traumatic brain injury, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
CIRS is technically defined as “a chronic illness acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with exposure to resident microbes including but NOT limited to:” (Dr. Shoemaker)
- filamentous fungi
- bacteria
- actinomycetes
- mycobacteria (toxins and inflammagens)
- hemolysins
- beta glucans
- mannans
- spirocyclic drimanes
Patients who suffer from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome may have a genetic susceptibility, but they ALL have evidence of:
- innate immune system dysregulation
- deficiency of regulatory neuropeptides and receptors
- dysregulation of pituitary and end organ function
- abnormalities in transciptomics
- abnormal ribosomal and mitochondria genes and suppression
Frequently, tick-borne illness patients ALSO have CIRS from mold exposure to foods, air, and water damaged buildings, and this significantly complicates the symptom picture and treatment. Generally, mold is extremely immunosuppressive, so detoxing from molds is extremely important when healing from tick-borne illness. In fact, patients cannot achieve wellness if mold is still present in their bodies.
Dr. Marra uses a urine DNA PCR test through Real-Time Labs after a 14-day challenge with Liposomal Glutathione and Vitamin C. The glutathione helps to loosen the mold spores and mycotoxins from fat cells so that an accurate determination of the presence of mold can be documented.
If you are interested in being tested for mold, please contact Dr. Marra at 206-299-2676.