Archive for the ‘Bartonella’ Category

Post-COVID Reactivation of Latent Bartonella: A Case Report & Literature Review

https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-09336-7

Case Report

Open access

Published: 

Post-COVID reactivation of latent Bartonella henselae infection: a case report and literature review

Yanzhao Dong, Ahmad Alhaskawi, Xiaodi Zou, Haiying Zhou, Sohaib Hasan Abdullah Ezzi, Vishnu Goutham Kota, Mohamed Hasan Abdulla Hasan Abdulla, Alenikova Olga, Sahar Ahmed Abdalbary & Hui Lu

BMC Infectious Diseases volume 24, Article number: 422 (2024) Cite this article

Abstract

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is caused by Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) and presents as lymphadenopathy following close contact with cats. However, in context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, clinical manifestations of CSD may vary, posing new challenges for healthcare professionals. Here we describe a case of a 54-year-old male with painful left upper arm mass, which gradually resolved until he was infected with COVID-19. The mass then rapidly progressed before admission. Meanwhile, pulmonary symptoms including pleural effusion emerged simultaneously. The cause was undetermined with routine blood culture and pathological test until the next generation sequencing (NGS) confirmed the presence of B. henselae. We believe this case is the first to report localized aggravation of CSD after COVID-19 infection and hopefully, offers treatment experience for clinicians worldwide.

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**Comment**

On a personal note: both my husband and I required Bartonella treatment for a relapse after COVID.  What the abstract does not mention is if this patient received the mRNA gene therapy shot which would complicate matters even more. Since his presentation was in January of 2023, he very well could have had multiple shots.

While the case report was about a severe Bartonella manifestation, please know Bartonella can present a million different ways.  Please read:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/24/human-bartonellosis-an-underappreciated-public-health-problem/

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Category:

Bartonella, research, Treatment, Viruses

Antibodies to Borrelia Burgdorferi and Bartonella Species in Serum and synovial fluid From People With Rheumatic Diseases

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378974250_Antibodies_to_Borrelia_burgdorferi_and_Bartonella_species_in_serum_and_synovial_fluid_from_people_with_rheumatic_diseases

Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi and Bartonella species in serum and synovial fluid from people with rheumatic diseases

March 2024

Microbiology Spectrum 12(4):e0165323

DOI:10.1128/spectrum.01653-23

License  CC BY 4.0

Authors:
Lisa Kim
Erin Lashnits
Edward B Breitschwerdt
Amanda Elam

Abstract and Figures

Vector-borne infections may underlie some rheumatic diseases, particularly in people with joint effusions. This study aimed to compare serum and synovial fluid antibodies to B. burgdorferi and Bartonella spp. in patients with rheumatic diseases. This observational, cross-sectional study examined paired synovial fluid and serum specimens collected from 110 patients with joint effusion between October 2017 and January 2022. Testing for antibodies to B. burgdorferi (using CDC criteria) and Bartonella spp. via two indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assays was performed as part of routine patient care at the Institute for Specialized Medicine (San Diego, CA, USA). There were 30 participants (27%) with positive two-tier B. burgdorferi serology and 26 participants (24%) with IFA seroreactivity (≥1:256) to B. henselae and/or B. quintana. Both B. burgdorferi IgM and IgG were detected more frequently in synovial fluid than serum: 27% of patients were either IgM or IgG positive in synovial fluid, compared to 15.5% in serum (P = 0.048). Conversely, B. henselae and B. quintana antibodies were detected more frequently in serum than synovial fluid; overall only 2% of patients had positive IFA titers in synovial fluid, compared to 24% who had positive IFA titers in serum (P < 0.001). There were no significant associations between B. burgdorferi or Bartonella spp. seroreactivity with any of the clinical rheumatological diagnoses. This study provides preliminary support for the importance of synovial fluid antibody testing for documenting exposure to B. burgdorferi but not for documenting exposure to Bartonella spp.
IMPORTANCE This study focuses on diagnostic testing for two common vector-borne diseases in an affected patient population. In it, we provide data showing that antibodies to B. burgdorferi, but not Bartonella spp., are more commonly found in synovial fluid than serum of patients with joint effusion. Since Lyme arthritis is a common—and sometimes difficult to diagnose—rheumatic disease, improving diagnostic capabilities is of utmost importance. While our findings are certainly not definitive for changes to practice, they do suggest that synovial fluid could be a useful sample for the clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease, and future prospective studies evaluating this claim are warranted.
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Category:

Bartonella, Lyme, research, Testing

Immunosuppression Has Doubled & Immune Compromised Mice More Susceptible to Bartonella

https://lymediseaseassociation.org/news/increased-immunosuppression-in-us-adults/

Increased Immunosuppression in US Adults

JAMA Network (Martinson, M.L. and Lapham, J.) 02.15.2024, published “Prevalence of Immunosuppression Among US Adults.” In this study, researchers found that immunosuppression in adults has increased in the past 8 years (2013-2021) through self-assessment reporting. The previous national estimate from 2013 was 2.7%, while the 2021 national estimate increased to 6.6%. Authors suggest that COVID 19 may have played a role in this increase.

The patterns in the distribution were similar in 2013 and 2012 for immunosuppression by sex, race, and age. Immunosuppression prevalence for women (7.9%) was higher than for men (5.2%). The highest rates of immunosuppression were found for American Indian or Alaska Native respondents (8.4%); White respondents (7.4%); and aged 60 to 69 years respondents (9.5%).

Authors note, as this population is at increased risk from viral and bacterial infections, increase of prevalence is an important consideration for public health in the US that would benefit from further study.

For More Information: 

Read JAMA Network Article

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297280

A comparison of Bartonella henselae infection in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice

Rebekah L. Bullard, Mercedes Cheslock, Shiva Kumar Goud Gadila, Ricardo G. Maggi, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Ahmad A. Saied, Monica E. Embers

Published: February 12, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297280

Abstract

Bartonellosis refers to disease caused by the Bartonella genus of bacteria. The breadth of disease manifestations associated with Bartonella is currently expanding and includes regional lymphadenopathy, rheumatic, ocular, and neurological disorders. The dearth of knowledge regarding diagnosis, treatment and pathogenesis of this disease can be partially attributed to the lack of a reliable small animal model for the disease. For this study, Bartonella henselae, the most common species associated with human disease, was injected into Swiss Webster (SW) mice. When the outcome indicated that productive infection did not occur, SCID/Beige (immune compromised) mice were inoculated. While SW mice may potentially harbor an acute infection, less than 10 days in length, the SCID/Beige model provided a sustained infection lasting up to 30-days. These data indicate that SCID/Beige mice can provide a model to study Bartonella infection, therapeutics, and vector dynamics in the future.

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Category:

Bartonella, research

ALS & MS Suspected in Woman Later Diagnosed With Bartonella & Lyme Disease

https://danielcameronmd.com/als-and-ms-suspected-in-woman-later-diagnosed-with-bartonella-and-lyme-disease/

ALS AND MS SUSPECTED IN WOMAN LATER DIAGNOSED WITH BARTONELLA AND LYME DISEASE

bartonella-lyme-disease

After developing multiple neurologic symptoms following a spider bite, a woman tests positive for Bartonella. Yet, her symptoms are attributed to possible multiple sclerosis (MS) or ALS. Just prior to having hip surgery, additional tests confirm that she is positive not only for Bartonella, but for Lyme disease, as well.

By 

In their article, “Bartonella- and Borrelia-Related Disease Presenting as a Neurological Condition Revealing the Need for Better Diagnostics,” Ericson and colleagues describe the case of a 61-year-old female, who experienced a painful bite while hiking in Minnesota.¹

It was diagnosed as a spider bite because of the two large bite marks present and the painful sensation. One day after the bite, a large blue ring appeared around the bite and the woman developed muscle aches and pains.

The woman was treated with doxycycline for two weeks, which decreased but did not resolve the arthritic pain.

Five months later, her symptoms progressed to include blurry vision, lack of balance, muscle pain, night sweats and insomnia.

At this point, testing for Lyme disease and Bartonella were negative.

After expressing continued concern about having Lyme disease, she was referred to an infectious disease physician, who stated that he “did not believe in persistent Lyme disease.” She was then referred to a neurologist for an MRI.

“At this time, her blood was used in a research study aimed at developing new PCR diagnostic techniques for Bartonella infections,” the authors state.

This new PCR test confirmed the presence of both Bartonella vinsonii and Bartonella henselae.

One year after infection, the patient visited an integrative medicine physician who prescribed clarithromycin and rifampin based on symptoms consistent with a Bartonella infection.

However, her symptoms continued and she was referred to a physical therapist, who prescribed a wheeled walker. Her primary care physician attributed her symptoms to possible ALS or MS.

“She reported to multiple physicians that her hips sounded like popcorn whenever she walked or climbed stairs.”

Hip x-rays revealed a loss of cartilage. She had bilateral hip degeneration, which would require hip replacements.

Prior to surgery, the woman underwent another round of tests for Bartonella. And again, test results confirmed for a second time the presence of Bartonella.

However, in addition, testing revealed “a spirochete-like organism” in a buffy coat smear sample.

“Given her symptomology and the known possibility of co-infections in Lyme disease, the spirochete was suspicious for Borrelia burgdorferi.”

Testing for Lyme disease was positive.

Once the woman began treatment for Lyme disease, her condition improved.

However, “Despite the intermittent use of antibiotics for five years, the patient remains positive for Bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi.”

If she ceases taking antibiotics, her symptoms recur within 3 months.

Authors Conclude:

  • “This case report illustrates the inadequacy of conventional tests in diagnosing Bartonella spp. infections, and the potential promise of enhanced techniques.”
  • Serology and other antibody-based tests are usually used for Bartonella and Borrelia detection. However, this patient never tested positive through serology but was positive by FISH and PCR testing.
  • “The limitations of serology for detecting an active infection need to be more clearly understood by the medical community.”
References:
  1. Ericson ME, Mozayeni BR, Radovsky L, Bemis LT. Bartonella- and Borrelia-Related Disease Presenting as a Neurological Condition Revealing the Need for Better Diagnostics. Microorganisms. 2024; 12(1):209. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010209

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**Comment**

Incredible work here, and it’s easy to see why: the funding for it was independently obtained through the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and all the authors are serious researchers who are not part of the Cabal.  I know three of them personally and Dr. Mozayeni is a widely known and respected LLMD.  This work would NEVER happen in mainstream research which is completely bought out and untrustworthy.  Ericson, whose son had a severe Bartonella infection, continues to do amazing work:   https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/02/27/advanced-imaging-found-bartonella-around-pic-line/

This study shows perfectly what patients have been up against for decades: negative serology, coinfection involvement making the CDC definition meaningless, and transmission by other insects and arachnids.

But, nobody will care about this work except patients and the doctors who dare to treat them.

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Category:

Bartonella, Lyme, research, Testing, Treatment

Woman With Bartonella Seeks Medical Aid in Dying & Canadian Doctors Revolt Against MAID for Mentally Ill

https://www.lymedisease.org/bartonella-babe-remembrance/

In remembrance of Jake Picker, the “Bartonella Babe”

From Galaxy Diagnostics:

We lost a bright light in the Bartonella patient community on January 20, 2024. Jake Picker, aka the Bartonella Babe, passed away peacefully Saturday evening surrounded by loved ones at her home in California.

At age 30, Jake had struggled for over five years with a gastrointestinal illness complicated by mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and Bartonella infection. Her mother shared that Jake was increasingly losing tolerance for food, leaving her at only 79 pounds and in constant pain.

After many months of intense struggle, Jake decided to end her torment through medical aid in dying (MAID), which is legal in California as of 2016. It was a heart-breaking choice for such a remarkable young woman but one by which Jake found dignity and peace. She had the full support of her family and loved ones who had witnessed her extreme suffering.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide Lifeline for your region. In the US, that number is 988.

Galaxy Diagnostics CEO Amanda Elam and Jake Picker speaking together on a remote videMemories by Amanda Elam, Galaxy Diagnostics Co-founder and CEO

After hearing the news, I looked through my email conversations with Jake over the years. We had so many positive interactions. I reached out to members of our team with the news as well. Our hearts are broken by the loss of this exceptional young patient and advocate. With tremendous humor and grace, Jake educated and entertained us all and gave hope to many patients struggling with chronic illness and trying to understand how Bartonella infection might play a role in their symptoms.

Jake was an exceptional and very talented young woman who turned her health struggles into extraordinary disease advocacy. Despite the demands of her illness and her determination to recover her health, she, with two mothers of patients created a Facebook patient forum, Breaking Down Bartonella, for others navigating Bartonella-associated chronic illness and produced an “edu-tainment” series, Bartonella Babe, on YouTube. Everything that Jake did, she approached with thoughtfulness and craft.

Amazingly, Jake took her skills as an actor, powered by research training from her Masters in Gender, Policy, and Inequalities from the London School of Economics, and threw herself into disease advocacy to learn everything she could about the science behind Bartonella, MCAS, and infection-associated chronic illness.

She reached out to me at Galaxy Diagnostics to share her idea for a video series and later for a patient forum. I offered to support her efforts in any way that would be helpful, especially as a guide on Bartonella research publications and a connector to other scientific experts.

Jake took me up on this offer and worked tirelessly with our team and many other experts to learn the science. Lo and behold, Jake proved to be an outstanding student. She devoured every publication, asked loads of questions, and requested calls to work through trickier pieces of the available science. We were repeatedly impressed by Jake’s commitment to excellence and, honestly, amazed by the entertaining video series that she created.

Our thoughts are with Jake’s mother and other family and friends as they mourn her loss. We will deeply miss Jake’s bright spirit and leadership in the Bartonella community.

We are endlessly grateful for all her contributions to building awareness and educating the public on the complexities of Bartonella-associated disease. Finally, we will work harder on our mission and in our work with disease advocates, researchers, and other partners to drive better clinical solutions for patients in Jake’s memory.

Rest in Peace, dear Jake. Your legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of many.

Republished from the Galaxy Diagnostics blog.

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https://slaynews.com/news/canada-forced-stop-euthanizing-mentally-ill-doctors-refuse-comply/

Canada Forced to Stop Euthanizing Mentally Ill as Doctors Refuse to Comply

Frank Bergman

Canada’s government has been forced to halt its controversial program to euthanize mentally ill patients after large numbers of doctors have refused to participate in the scheme.

Canadian health officials announced that the extension of its “assisted suicide” program, to people suffering solely from mental illness, has been delayed.

As Slay News has reported, Canada has some of the most liberal euthanasia laws in the world.

In recent years, the government has been increasingly relaxing the laws that were originally meant to give terminally ill people an option for dying.

However, the expansion of the laws means people can now be euthanized for far less severe issues such as depression, homelessness, or mental illness.

The laws have even been expanded to include “mature minors” with a push to expand to infants.  (See link for article)

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**Comment**

It is a sad state of affairs when Lyme/MSIDS patients, due to lack of proper care and effective treatments, consider assisted suicide.  It’s even more worse when a government is euthanizing the mentally ill, the impoverished, and infants.

Euthanasia accounted for 4% of all Canadian deaths in 2022.
We’ve truly come a long way, baby.

Category:

Activism, Bartonella