If you’re dealing with chronic symptoms like constant fatigue, brain fog, sensitivity to chemicals or environmental triggers, or even persistent sinus issues, it can feel exhausting to keep searching for answers. You may have already been diagnosed with conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, or even an autoimmune disorder like lupus. But what if a newly understood bacteria could be the root of some of these issues, driving your symptoms and making it difficult to find lasting relief?
Meet Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staph, or MARCoNS—a type of bacteria that may be hiding in plain sight and exacerbating chronic conditions. MARCoNS is not just a difficult-to-treat bacterial infection; it’s also a relatively new discovery in the field of chronic illness. It’s often found in individuals with chronic, complex health issues and may be contributing to some of the persistent symptoms they experience.
Here, we’ll break down what MARCoNS is, what a positive test means, symptoms to watch for, its impact on the body, and a functional medicine approach to MARCoNS treatment.
What is MARCoNS?
MARCoNS, or Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus, is a type of staph bacteria that resides in the nasal passages. Unlike typical staph infections, MARCoNS doesn’t produce coagulase, an enzyme that helps bacteria form clots to evade the immune system. Instead, MARCoNS thrives by developing resistance to multiple antibiotics, making it incredibly hard to eradicate.
For people with chronic health conditions, MARCoNS can become a stealthy, persistent infection. It often thrives in individuals who have experienced immune system compromise, possibly from chronic stress, chronic infections (like Lyme disease), or autoimmune disorders. MARCoNS is commonly seen in patients who have experienced ongoing mold exposure, which suppresses the immune system and creates an environment where antibiotic-resistant bacteria can flourish.
What Does a Positive MARCoNS Test Mean?
Testing for MARCoNS is typically done through a nasal swab, either in a clinical setting or as a MARCoNS test at homeordered through specialized labs. A positive MARCoNS test means that antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria have been detected in the nasal passages. This doesn’t mean that everyone with a positive test will have symptoms, but for those with chronic health issues, it can be a red flag that MARCoNS might be contributing to their ongoing symptoms.
A positive test indicates that the antibiotic-resistant nature of MARCoNS may make it hard for the body to clear this infection, especially if other factors (like immune suppression or chronic inflammation) are already at play. A positive test is significant because it suggests that MARCoNS may be disrupting the immune system further and creating a biofilm—an extra layer of protection that makes it even harder for both the immune system and treatments to eliminate the bacteria.
What Are the Symptoms of MARCoNS?
MARCoNS can present with a variety of symptoms, many of which overlap with conditions like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease. This can make it difficult to pinpoint MARCoNS as the cause without specific testing.
Here are some symptoms commonly associated with MARCoNS:
Persistent Sinus Congestion: Many people with MARCoNS have ongoing sinus issues, including congestion, post-nasal drip, and sinus pain that doesn’t improve with typical sinus treatments.
Fatigue and Brain Fog: Chronic exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, along with cognitive issues like memory problems and concentration difficulties, are common. Clients often describe feeling “mentally foggy” and find it challenging to stay alert.
Chemical and Environmental Sensitivities: MARCoNS can contribute to heightened sensitivities to chemicals, mold, and other environmental triggers. People often find they’re more reactive to cleaning products, perfumes, or moldy environments.
Body Pain and Weakness: Muscle aches, joint pain, and a sense of physical weakness are frequently reported, particularly in people with overlapping conditions like fibromyalgia or Lyme disease.
Respiratory Issues: MARCoNS can contribute to respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, and irritation in the nasal passages.
Mood Changes and Anxiety: Because MARCoNS can affect the brain and immune system, it can also contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and irritability, adding an emotional burden to the physical symptoms.
What Do MARCoNS Do to the Body?
When MARCoNS establish themselves in the nasal passages, they can form biofilms, which are thick layers of protective material that shield bacteria from the immune system and antibiotics. This makes it much harder to eliminate MARCoNS and creates a persistent infection that continually affects the immune system. MARCoNS can also produce biotoxins that suppress immune function and may worsen inflammation throughout the body.
For people with chronic illnesses, MARCoNS infections are particularly damaging because they can:
Compromise Immune Function: MARCoNS release biotoxins that weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off other infections and creating a constant state of low-grade infection.
Trigger Inflammatory Responses: The biofilm and toxins produced by MARCoNS can keep the immune system in an inflamed state, which may worsen symptoms of fatigue, body pain, and brain fog.
Worsen Environmental Sensitivities: MARCoNS can make the body more reactive to mold and chemicals, as the immune system is already overwhelmed.
Contribute to Autoimmune-like Symptoms: For those with autoimmune conditions, MARCoNS can exacerbate symptoms or lead to immune dysregulation that looks and feels like an autoimmune response.
MARCoNS Treatment from a Functional Medicine Perspective
In conventional settings, treating MARCoNS is challenging due to its resistance to many antibiotics. From a functional medicine standpoint, treatment is less about relying on antibiotics alone and more about taking a comprehensive approach to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and break down biofilms.
Here’s how a functional approach to MARCoNS treatment might look:
Targeting Biofilms
Biofilm disruptors are an essential part of MARCoNS treatment. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend natural agents like enzymes (e.g., nattokinase or lumbrokinase) and herbal antimicrobials that can break down the biofilm, exposing the bacteria so the immune system can address it more effectively.
Supporting Immune Health
Building a resilient immune system is critical when dealing with MARCoNS. This might include:
Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin C: Key nutrients that support immune function and help the body manage chronic infections.
Immune-Modulating Herbs: Herbs like echinacea, astragalus, and reishi mushroom support the immune response and help the body handle chronic bacterial burdens.
Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola help the body adapt to stress, which can make the immune system more effective.
Detoxifying Toxins
MARCoNS releases toxins that overwhelm the liver and lymphatic system. Functional approaches may include:
Liver-Supportive Foods: Foods like beets, broccoli, and leafy greens aid in liver detoxification.
Bentonite Clay or Activated Charcoal: Bind toxins in the gut and support elimination.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps flush toxins out of the body, and adding a squeeze of lemon to water can support liver health.
Addressing Mold Exposure
Because MARCoNS is often associated with mold exposure, reducing mold in the environment and supporting mold detoxification can be helpful. This might include:
Environmental Testing: Testing and remediation of mold in your home or workplace.
Binders for Mold Detox: Activated charcoal or chlorella can bind mold toxins and help eliminate them from the body.
Nasal Rinses: Using a saline solution or xylitol rinse can help clear nasal passages and reduce biofilms in the sinuses.
Restoring Gut Health
Chronic infections like MARCoNS can disrupt the gut microbiome, so focusing on gut health is often part of treatment. This may include:
Probiotics: Supporting beneficial bacteria can help restore balance in the gut and reduce inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Emphasizing whole foods, antioxidants, and avoiding processed sugars can help reduce inflammation and support the gut barrier.
MARCoNS Die-Off Symptoms: What to Expect
As the body starts to address MARCoNS, some people experience die-off symptoms (Herxheimer reaction) due to the release of toxins as the bacteria die. These symptoms might include increased fatigue, flu-like symptoms, worsening sinus congestion, and headaches. Staying hydrated, supporting detox pathways, and allowing the body time to adjust can help minimize die-off symptoms during MARCoNS treatment.
Living with MARCoNS can be overwhelming, but understanding it as a contributing factor to your chronic symptoms can be empowering. With a functional medicine approach, we focus on a holistic, multi-pronged strategy to support your immune system, reduce biofilm formation, and detoxify the body from bacterial toxins.
If you suspect MARCoNS is affecting your health, I’m here to help. Book a call with me, Eli, and let’s explore a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs and designed to restore balance and wellness. Let’s get you on the path to relief from chronic symptoms and help you reclaim your health.
Kommentare