Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

Biofilm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319858.php

Strength in numbers: How biofilms outfox antibiotics

By 
Bacteria are vital for survival, but when they form communities, they can wreak serious havoc and pose a threat to our health.

When bacteria flock together and form a community, this is called a biofilm. Found all over the planet — from desert rocks to the surfaces of buildings — biofilms are an integral part of nature.

Biofilms are tricky beasts because they have a tendency to become resistant to all manner of efforts employed to eradicate them. This spells bad news for anyone with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, periodontitis, or chronic wounds as medical implants and catheters are hotspots for biofilm formation.

But why are biofilms so persistent, and what are doctors and scientists doing to outsmart these clever microbial communities?

What are biofilms?

“Biofilms are one of the most widely distributed and successful modes of life on Earth,” says Prof. Hans-Curt Flemming — director of the Institute for Interface Biotechnology at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany — in a 2016 article published in Nature Reviews Microbiology.

(See link for article)

_____________________

For more:

Category:

Activism, Biofilm, Lyme, Treatment

Lyme Disease Protein Tricks Immune System, Ignites Arthritis

https://danielcameronmd.com/lyme-disease-protein-ignites-arthritis/

LYME DISEASE PROTEIN TRICKS IMMUNE SYSTEM, IGNITES ARTHRITIS

man with lyme disease and arthritis rubbing his knee
Researchers from Virginia Tech believe they have discovered another piece of the Lyme disease puzzle – How does the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium cause inflammation and Lyme arthritis?
By 

Lyme disease patients often struggle with ongoing symptoms including arthritis. Findings from this latest study are a “testament to how unique this bacterium is — and how we need to keep working to understand more about what is going on behind the scenes in order to develop future diagnostics and treatments,” states Mari Davis, lead author on the paper.

In earlier studies, Brandon Jutras, a Virginia Tech biochemist, discovered that as the “Lyme-causing bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi multiplies, it sheds a cellular component called peptidoglycan that elicits a unique inflammatory response in the body.”¹

Peptidoglycan, he reported, contributes to inflammation and Lyme arthritis.

Peptidoglycan  is an essential component of bacterial cell walls. It was still present in Lyme disease patients weeks to months after the initial infection, inciting inflammation and arthritis, Jutras reported.

NapA protein tricks immune system

But most recently, scientists at the Jutras lab (lead by Brandon Jutras) identified a type of peptidoglycan-associated protein, called Neutrophil Attracting Protein A (NapA) in Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium.

“Using microfluidics, we demonstrate that NapA acts as a molecular beacon—exacerbating the pathogenic properties of B. burgdorferi [peptidoglycan].”²

NapA is an “immunomodulatory molecule that is able to recruit immune cells, called neutrophils, toward the inflammatory peptidoglycan,” the author explains.

“NapA is another piece to an ever-evolving puzzle; it seems to play a basic role in everyday bacterial life by helping the overall protective properties of peptidoglycan,” explains Jutras, “but it moonlights as a devious protein capable of tricking our immune system.”

NapA has two devious sides

“Early in infection, when bacteria are dying and releasing NapA and peptidoglycan, it acts as a decoy to attract immune cells, which allows the viable bacteria to escape and cause disease,” Jutras explains.

“In later stages of disease, it may act to attract immune cells to peptidoglycan, a molecule capable of causing inflammation and arthritis.”

Authors’ Conclusion

The combination of peptidoglycan and NapA could serve as a novel target for prevention and diagnostics developments.

“One thing that we know for sure is that this finding furthers our understanding of how peptidoglycan can drive Lyme arthritis patient symptomology.”

References:
  1. Borrelia burgdorferi peptidoglycan is a persistent antigen in patients with Lyme arthritis
    Brandon L. Jutras, Robert B. Lochhead, Zachary A. Kloos, Jacob Biboy, Klemen Strle, Carmen J. Booth, Sander K. Govers, Joe Gray, Peter Schumann, Waldemar Vollmer, Linda K. Bockenstedt, Allen C. Steere, Christine Jacobs-Wagner Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Jul 2019, 116 (27) 13498-13507; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904170116
  2. Marisela M. Davis, Aaron M. Brock, Tanner G. DeHart, Brittany P. Boribong, Katherine Lee, Mecaila E. McClune, Yunjie Chang, Nicholas Cramer, Jun Liu, Caroline N. Jones, Brandon L. Jutras. The peptidoglycan-associated protein NapA plays an important role in the envelope integrity and in the pathogenesis of the lyme disease spirochete. PLOS Pathogens, 2021; 17 (5): e1009546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009546

______________________

For more:

Category:

Lyme, research

Ryan Sutter Reveals He Has Lyme Disease Worsened by Mold: ‘My Immune System Was Weakened’

https://people.com/health/ryan-sutter-reveals-he-has-lyme-disease-worsened-by-mold/

Ryan Sutter Reveals He Has Lyme Disease Worsened by Mold: ‘My Immune System Was Weakened’

The former Bachelorette winner, who has been struggling with an mystery sickness for the last year, said he also tested positive for COVID-19 and Epstein-Barr virus
By Julie Mazziotta
May 25, 2021 12:27 PM
Ryan Sutter Says He’s ‘Doing Ok’ amid Lyme Disease Diagnosis: ‘Finding Value in My Own Suffering’

Ryan Sutter finally has a clearer answer for the “almost-paralyzing fatigue” and severe health problems that he has dealt with for the last year.

The former Bachelorette winner, 46, has Lyme disease that was triggered by high levels of mold in his body, he shared on his wife Trista Sutter’s podcast, Better Etc., on Tuesday. Ryan explained that after going through a litany of testing and blood work over the last year, doctors determined that his body is susceptible to taking in mold toxins, which he is frequently exposed to as a firefighter.  (See link for article)

___________________

**Comment**

Many Lyme/MSIDS patients also suffer from mold, but who really knows which came first?

For more:

For more articles on Sutter’s diagnosis of Lyme disease: https://people.com/health/ryan-sutter-says-hes-doing-ok-amid-lyme-disease-diagnosis-finding-value-in-suffering/

Category:

Lyme, Mold

Dr. Rawls’ Lyme Treatment Guide

https://rawlsmd.com/treatment-guide

Dr. Rawls’ Lyme Treatment Guide

A-to-Z Lyme Treatment Ratings: From antibiotics to herbal therapy, ozone, and more, find out how Dr. Rawls rates these popular Lyme disease treatments.

As a physician, I often get asked my opinion on various Lyme treatments. While herbal therapy is my preference for the majority of those with chronic Lyme disease, I’m always learning and educating myself on different treatments and therapies that might make it easier for people to get their lives back. Based on my research, experience, and medical opinion, I developed a rating system to evaluate potential treatment options according to safety, efficacy, and cost.

Dr. Rawls’ Lyme Treatment Guide
Treatment Efficacy Safety Cost
Antibiotics 2.5 stars 2 stars 3 out of 5 dollar signs
NEW Bee Venom Therapy 4 stars 3 stars 2 out of 5 dollar signs
NEW Disulfiram 3.5 stars 1 stars 1 out of 5 dollar signs
Herbal Therapy 5 stars 5 stars 1.5 out of 5 dollar signs
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 3.5 stars 2.5 stars 3 out of 5 dollar signs
Hyperthermia 3.5 stars 1.5 stars 5 out of 5 dollar signs
Infrared Sauna Therapy 4 stars 1.5 stars 2 out of 5 dollar signs
NEW Lyme Disease Diet 5 stars 5 stars 1 out of 5 dollar signs
Nosodes 2.5 stars 4 stars 2 out of 5 dollar signs
Ozone Therapy 3.5 stars 2.5 stars 3 out of 5 dollar signs
NEW Phage Therapy unknown 3.5 stars 5 out of 5 dollar signs
NEW Rebounder Therapy 3 stars 4 stars 1 out of 5 dollar signs
Rife Therapy 3 stars 4 stars 3 out of 5 dollar signs
Stem Cell Therapy 3 stars 3 stars 5 out of 5 dollar signs
UV Light Therapy 2 stars 3.5 stars 4 out of 5 dollar signs

More Treatments Coming Soon!

In the coming weeks, look forward to treatment additions like colloidal silver, essential oils, stevia, IVIG, methylene blue, peptides, and SOT therapy.

Sign up for our RawlsMD newsletter to find out when new treatments are added.

To evaluate the potential success and pitfalls of various treatments, I use a grading system based on my research, experience, and medical opinion. My criteria includes:

    • Cost: What are the out-of-pocket expenses for a particular treatment?
    • Efficacy: Is there any evidence the treatment works?
    • Safety: What’s the potential for the treatment to cause harm to the person who’s using it?
    • Ways to administer: What’s the route by which the treatment is given to a person?

Using my rating system, I’ve created a treatment guide so that you can learn about and compare a variety of treatments and therapies. You’re likely to hear some success stories with nearly every intervention or modality on this list. But measuring your options according to efficacy, potential risks, and cost, in partnership with your healthcare provider, will go a long way in helping you make the best decisions for you and your recovery.

Bill Rawls, MD
Medical Director and Cofounder of RawlsMD.com

Dr. Bill Rawls is a licensed physician with over 30 years of experience and a leading expert in Lyme disease, holistic health, and herbal medicine. In the middle of his successful medical career, Dr. Rawls’ life was interrupted by Lyme disease. In his journey to overcome it, he explored a wide range of treatments – from conventional medicine to an array of alternative therapies.

In the more than 10 years since his recovery, Dr. Rawls has helped thousands of patients to recover from chronic illness and maintain wellness. He is the author of the best-selling book Unlocking Lyme, and the Medical Director of RawlsMD.com and Vital Plan, an online holistic health company and Certified B Corporation®.

http://

How to Overcome Chronic Lyme Disease

Aug. 1, 2018

Dr. Bill Rawls overcame chronic Lyme disease with herbal and natural remedies. He reveals the 5 essential elements for recovery here. Learn more about Lyme disease and Dr. Rawls’ story: https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/m…

Dr. Rawls recently came out with a nifty coinfection chart worth looking at as well.

____________________

**Comment**

I would dispute a few items on the treatment ratings. I’ve done many of the treatments listed and have found antibiotics to be cheaper and more effective than herbal treatments for both myself and my husband. Dr. Horowitz has found that herbs alone have about a 70% success rate in his office (if I’m remembering correctly). Not many doctors write books on their clinical experience so when they do, I take note.

Please understand I’m not dissing herbs here – just talking brass tacks about money, time, and efficacy. I still use herbs to this day for various issues and know they have helped many patients, but to my knowledge there is no magic cure – including herbs, or I’d be using it. Savvy, layered treatment focused on all forms of borrelia and taking coinfections into account as well as detoxification, immune system imbalances, gut health, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and more is crucial on this journey. It truly is as individual as the person.

For more:

Many are having wondrous results with disulfiram, unfortunately I had to quit it as it caused psychosis for me (not fun, and a $30 drug ended up costing me $20K due to a week long hospital stay because I went completely nuts).  Dr. Horowitz has also had good success with the triple Dapsone combination on some of his most refractory patients.  I’ve heart there are many side-effects and the need to supplement to mitigate those effects, but for the right patients it may prove to be the thing that helps the most.  Regarding liposomal essential oils, my husband and I are currently taking liposomal oregano oil in our Bartonella treatment of Clarithromycin/rifampin, along with garlic, monolaurin, and stevia.  Time will tell on this treatment.  

Go here to listen to Dr. Frid’s clinical experience using liposomal essential oils.  (Unlike antibiotics, she finds LEO’s most effective when pulsed).  I found them cheapest on her website.

Category:

Lyme, Treatment

Harvard Student, Queen’s Prof, Collaborating to Rapidly Identify Lyme-Infected Ticks

https://www.coastreporter.net/national-news/harvard-student-queens-prof-collaborating-to-rapidly-identify-lyme-infected-ticks-

Harvard student, Queen’s prof, collaborating to rapidly identify Lyme-infected ticks

OTTAWA — Harvard University microbiology student Indumathi Prakash was just seven years old when a tick bite near her home in Massachusetts gave her Lyme disease and left her to spend most of her childhood battling rheumatoid arthritis.
2021071616070-60f1e62aa5ca5b9124ece6c1jpeg

OTTAWA — Harvard University microbiology student Indumathi Prakash was just seven years old when a tick bite near her home in Massachusetts gave her Lyme disease and left her to spend most of her childhood battling rheumatoid arthritis.

Now Prakash, 21, is working with a Queen’s University professor, although virtually, on a rapid test that will diagnose the bacterium that causes Lyme disease in ticks in just a few hours.

If successful, the test will open the door to better and faster treatment for the rapidly expanding disease.

“I really wanted to do something to prevent the same thing from happening to someone else so that’s kind of why I got interested in tick-borne disease in general,” said Prakash, in a phone interview from Cambridge, Mass.

Lyme disease has been around in Canada since the 1980s. Warmer winters over the last decade have allowed ticks, and the pathogens they often carry, to flourish in ways they never did before. (See link for article)

_________________

**Comment**

Interesting that this author doesn’t utilize her own countryman’s independent research showing ticks are impervious to the climate and hide under leaf litter, snow, mulch, etc. when conditions are harsh – but doing so would be defying the accepted narrative that “climate change” is behind tick and disease proliferation, and all the woes on planet earth today, despite climatologists who state otherwise, and we certainly can’t have that.

Important quote: 

Since Lyme disease can often be prevented if antibiotics are started within 24 hours of the bite, doctors routinely give people with tick bites antibiotics before it’s clear the bacteria is present.

No, I’m afraid doctors don’t routinely give people with tick bites antibiotics.  I wish they did – and they certainly should.  Doctors continue to take a “wait and see” approach, which is dooming patients to sometimes a life-time of suffering. In my opinion, it appears doctors would rather diagnose patients with anything but Lyme/MSIDS.

The article points out that ticks can be tested by results often take days to obtain results.  This is another problem with testing – not only for ticks but for humans.

Evidently the new test will also detect other coinfections that often come with Lyme disease.

Category:

Lyme, research, Ticks