Archive for the ‘Bartonella’ Category

Bartonella in Association With Psychosis

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11190357/

Front Psychiatry

. 2024 Jun 7;15:1388442. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1388442

Bartonella species bacteremia in association with adult psychosis

 1,2,†,‡,  3,‡,  3,  4,  3,  3,  1,  1,2,  3,*
 
PMCID: PMC11190357  PMID: 38911703

Abstract

Introduction

The potential role of pathogens, particularly vector-transmitted infectious agents, as a cause of psychosis has not been intensively investigated. We have reported a potential link between Bartonella spp. bacteremia and neuropsychiatric symptoms, including pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to further assess whether Bartonella spp. exposure or infection are associated with psychosis.

Methods

In a blinded manner, we assessed the presence of anti-Bartonella antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA), and infection by amplification of bacterial DNA from blood by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), digital PCR (dPCR), and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in 116 participants. Participants were categorized into one of five groups: 1) controls unaffected by psychosis (n = 29); 2) prodromal participants (n = 16); 3) children or adolescents with psychosis (n = 7); 4) adults with psychosis (n = 44); and 5) relatives of a participant with psychosis (n = 20).

Results

There was no significant difference in Bartonella spp. IFA seroreactivity between adults with psychosis and adult controls unaffected by psychosis. There was a higher proportion of adults with psychosis who had Bartonella spp. DNA in the bloodstream (43.2%) compared to adult controls unaffected by psychosis (14.3%, p = 0.021). The Bartonella species was determined for 18 of the 31 bacteremic participants, including infection or co-infection with Bartonella henselae (11/18), Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (6/18), Bartonella quintana (2/18), Bartonella alsatica (1/18), and Bartonella rochalimae (1/18).

Discussion

In conjunction with other recent research, the results of this study provide justification for a large national or international multi-center study to determine if Bartonella spp. bacteremia is more prevalent in adults with psychosis compared to adults unaffected by psychosis. Expanding the investigation to include a range of vector-borne and other microbial infections with potential CNS effects would enhance knowledge on the relationship between psychosis and infection.

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Category:

Bartonella, Psychological Aspects, research

Microbes & Mental Illness: Past, Present, and Future

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/1/83

Microbes and Mental Illness: Past, Present, and Future

by Robert C. Bransfield1,2,*, Charlotte Mao3 and Rosalie Greenberg4
 
1Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
2Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Nutey, NJ 07110, USA
3Invisible International, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
4Medical Arts Psychotherapy Associates P.A., Summit, NJ 07901, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Healthcare 2024, 12(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12010083
Submission received: 31 October 2023 / Revised: 30 November 2023 / Accepted: 6 December 2023 / Published: 29 December 2023

Abstract

A review of the association between microbes and mental illness is performed, including the history, relevant definitions, infectious agents associated with mental illnesses, complex interactive infections, total load theory, pathophysiology, psychoimmunology, psychoneuroimmunology, clinical presentations, early-life infections, clinical assessment, and treatment. Perspectives on the etiology of mental illness have evolved from demonic possession toward multisystem biologically based models that include gene expression, environmental triggers, immune mediators, and infectious diseases. Microbes are associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidality and aggressive or violent behaviors. Specific microbes that have been associated or potentially associated with at least one of these conditions include Aspergillus, Babesia, Bartonella, Borna disease virus, Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Candida, Chlamydia, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), Cryptococcus neoformans, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruses, Epstein–Barr virus, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus, human endogenous retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, influenza viruses, measles virus, Mycoplasma, Plasmodium, rubella virus, Group A Streptococcus (PANDAS), Taenia solium, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trypanosoma, and West Nile virus.
 
Recognition of the microbe and mental illness association with the development of greater interdisciplinary research, education, and treatment options may prevent and reduce mental illness morbidity, disability, and mortality.
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Category:

Babesia, Bartonella, Lyme, Mycoplasma, research, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis

Pathogens & Persistence: Chronic Disease Drivers

http://

Pathogens & Persistence: The Chronic Disease Drivers

Oct. 6, 2024

Ticktective™ Episode 43 (Oct 6, 2024):

Steven E. Phillips, MD, is a Yale-trained expert on zoonotic infections and coauthor of the book CHRONIC. He specializes in treating medicine’s most complex cases, which include Lyme & other vector-borne diseases and Long COVID. Additionally, he has served as an expert for the states of CT, NY, RI, and VT, providing testimony during their respective public hearings, which resulted in changes to existing healthcare laws. Dr. Phillips has been a longstanding public face of the Lyme pandemic. He is currently spearheading a drug development effort to bring the public a durable, effective treatment for some of these infections, which will hopefully change how we treat a range of rheumatologic and neurologic illnesses. Dr. Phillips also sits on the Bay Area Lyme Foundation’s scientific advisory board.

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Category:

Babesia, Bartonella, Lyme, mosquitoes, Testing, Ticks

Rejuvenate Cells & Combat Chronic Illness With a Fasting Mimicking Diet

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/fasting-mimicking-diet

Rejuvenate Your Cells and Combat Chronic Illness with a Fasting Mimicking Diet

By Dr. Marty Ross

Sept. 2024

If you’re grappling with chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, or mold toxicity, the term “fasting” may seem hard to think about. However, the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) offers a scientifically backed, less intense method that promises significant health benefits. Imagine rejuvenating your injured cells and potentially alleviating symptoms without the extreme measures associated with traditional fasting.

Interested? Let’s explore how FMD may be the game-changer you need.

What is the Fasting Mimicking Diet?

The Fasting Mimicking Diet is a revolutionary dietary protocol that mimics the effects of fasting while still allowing some nutrient intake. Developed by Dr. Valter Longo and his team at the University of Southern California, this diet aims to provide the health benefits of fasting without the hardship of complete food deprivation. It’s a five-day plan that involves reduced calorie intake, typically between 750 to 1,100 calories per day, mainly from plant-based foods, while ensuring that your body enters a fasting-like state.

Understanding Cellular Rejuvenation

Cellular rejuvenation refers to the process of renewing old or damaged cells. This concept is critical for those with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, and mold toxicity, where cellular damage and inflammation from oxidation damage could lead to ongoing symptoms. FMD has been shown to trigger autophagy, a crucial cellular cleanup process where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones. This process not only helps in maintaining cellular health but also stimulates the production of stem cells, which are essential for repairing and regenerating tissues and can help remove senescent zombie cells. By doing so, FMD promotes cellular regeneration and can lead to improved overall health for people living with chronic tick-borne infections and mold toxicity. FMD also potentially enhances longevity and reduces the risk of various age-related diseases.

Key Health Enhancing and Anti-Aging Pathways Affected by the Fasting Mimicking Diet

  • Autophagy Pathway: FMD induces autophagy, a critical process for cellular cleanup and renewal. This promotes the removal of damaged proteins and organelles, supporting longevity and overall health, and may help reduce cellular debris linked to chronic infections like tick-borne diseases and mold toxicity.
  • Cellular Senescence: FMD aids in addressing cellular senescence, where cells lose their ability to divide and function optimally while often developing a pro-inflammatory secretory profile known as the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP). Chronic infections are a cause of early cellular senescence. By removing these senescent cells and fixing the effects of SASP, the diet may reduce inflammation and tissue damage, contributing to healthier aging, an extended lifespan, and improved health for people with chronic infections and mold-related issues.
  • Improvements in Immune Function: FMD enhances immune function by promoting the regeneration of immune cells and supporting a balanced immune response. This can lead to a more robust defense against infections and a reduction in inflammation, benefiting individuals with chronic illnesses such as tick-borne diseases and mold toxicity. Enhanced immune function contributes to healthier aging and improved resilience against stressors, ensuring better overall health and longevity.
  • mTOR (Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin): FMD reduces signaling through the mTOR pathway, which is closely linked with cell growth, aging, and immune function. Inhibiting mTOR activity can enhance cellular stress resistance, longevity, and may aid in managing chronic infections by improving immune response.
  • IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1): FMD lowers levels of IGF-1, a hormone that promotes growth and has been associated with aging and cancer. Reducing IGF-1 can lead to decreased cellular proliferation and increased autophagy, which may benefit those dealing with persistent infections and inflammation.
  • AMPK (AMP-Activated Protein Kinase): By activating AMPK, the diet enhances energy metabolism and promotes the breakdown of fats. This pathway is associated with improved longevity, protection against age-related diseases, and could also support detoxification and energy balance in individuals facing mold toxicity and chronic infections.
  • Sirtuins Activation: The diet stimulates sirtuins, a family of proteins that regulate cellular health and longevity. Activation of sirtuins is linked to improved DNA repair, enhanced stress resistance, and extended lifespan; these functions may also aid individuals with chronic tick-borne infections and mold toxicity by bolstering cellular resilience and repair mechanisms.  (See link for article)

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Category:

Babesia, Bartonella, diet and nutrition, Lyme, Mold

Antibiotics vs Herbs: One Doc’s Experience

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/recovery-crystal-ball-of-odds-and-timelines

In my free Lyme Q&A Webinar called Conversations with Marty Ross MD, people ask me questions related to recovery. Here are some of those questions.

  • Do herbal antibiotics work?
  • Do prescription antibiotics work better than herbal antibiotics?
  • How long will it take me to recover from Bartonella, or Babesia, or Borrelia?
  • Can I recover from chronic Bartonella, Babesia or Borrelia?

Video Article

In the video in the top link, I answer these questions based on my extensive twenty year clinical experience treating persistent tick-borne infections like Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia using the best herbal and prescription antibiotic approaches. What I discuss is based on my experience. Unfortunately the research answering these questions is very limited or even non-existent.  (See link for article and video)

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**Comment**

Please remember, this is simply ONE practitioner’s experience.

Dr. Horowitz recommends treating Babesia for 9 months to a year.  I agree with this and it was our experience.

Regarding Lyme disease, I believe it has more to do with how long you have had it as well as how many other coinfections and comorbidities you have.  The more coinfections and comorbidites – the longer it’s probably going to take – particularly the older you are.  Mold, MCAS, allergies, etc. all play a large role in this a – and are as important as the infection(s).  

For reference, it took FIVE years of treatment followed by 3-4 relapses necessitating treatment before we reached ‘remission.’  Maintaining  the immune system is imperative and that means balancing hormones as well as minerals, vitamins, etc.  I guarantee you WILL NOT get better if you live in a moldy environment or do not deal with these other factors.  

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Category:

Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichiosis, Herbs, Lyme, Mycoplasma, Parasite Treatment, Rickettsia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tickborne Relapsing Fever, Toxoplasmosis, Treatment, Tularemia