Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

Detection & Transstadial Passage of Babesia Species and Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ticks Collected From Avian and Mammalian Hosts in Canada

Detection and Transstadial Passage of Babesia Species and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Ticks Collected from Avian and Mammalian Hosts in Canada 

John D. Scott 1,*, Kerry L. Clark 2, Nikki M. Coble 2 and Taylor R. Ballantyne 2 

Received: 24 October 2019; Accepted: 26 November 2019; Published: 2 December 2019 

Abstract: Lyme disease and human babesiosis are the most common tick-borne zoonoses in the Temperate Zone of North America. The number of infected patients has continued to rise globally, and these zoonoses pose a major healthcare threat. This tick-host-pathogen study was conducted to test for infectious microbes associated with Lyme disease and human babesiosis in Canada. Using the flagellin (flaB) gene, three members of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex were detected, namely a Borrelia lanei-like spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss), and a distinct strain that may represent a separate Bbsl genospecies. This novel Bbsl strain was detected in a mouse tick, Ixodes muris, collected from a House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, in Quebec during the southward fall migration. The presence of Bbsl in bird-feeding larvae of I. muris suggests reservoir competency in three passerines (i.e., Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, Magnolia Warbler). Based on the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, three Babesia species (i.e., Babesia divergens-like, Babesia microti, Babesia odocoilei) were detected in field-collected ticks. Not only was B. odocoilei found in songbird-derived ticks, this piroplasm was apparent in adult questing blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, in southern Canada. By allowing live, engorged ticks to molt, we confirm the transstadial passage of Bbsl in I. muris and B. odocoilei in I. scapularis. Bbss and Babesia microti were detected concurrently in a groundhog tick, Ixodes cookei, in Western Ontario. In Alberta, a winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus, which was collected from a moose, Alces alces, tested positive for Bbss. Notably, a B. divergens-like piroplasm was detected in a rabbit tick, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, collected from an eastern cottontail in southern Manitoba; this Babesia species is a first-time discovery in Canada. This rabbit tick was also co-infected with Borrelia lanei-like spirochetes, which constitutes a first in Canada. Overall, five ticks were concurrently infected with Babesia and Bbsl pathogens and, after the molt, could potentially co-infect humans.

Notably, we provide the first authentic report of I. scapularis ticks co-infected with Bbsl and B. odocoilei in Canada.

The full extent of infectious microorganisms transmitted to humans by ticks is not fully elucidated, and clinicians need to be aware of the complexity of these tick-transmitted enzootic agents on human health. Diagnosis and treatment must be administered by those with accredited medical training in tick-borne zoonosis. 

Full article: Scott et al., 2019, Babesia spp. and Borrelia spp., Canada

© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 

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**Comment**

Transstadial passage is the ability of an infection to pass from one one developmental stage of an organism to another, e.g.,from the larval to the nymph stage or from the nymph to the adult:  https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/transstadial

In this report the authors confirm the transstadial passage of Bbsl in I. muris and B. odocoilei in I. scapularis (black legged deer tick).

According to the following 2000 article, Ixodes muris is also capable of transmitting Lyme disease:  https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-Medical-Entomology/volume-37/issue-5/0022-2585-37.5.766/Vector-Competence-of-Ixodes-muris-Acari–Ixodidae-for-Borrelia/10.1603/0022-2585-37.5.766.short

Also, the following 2014 article states, “early studies revealed a higher ratio of presumed nonpathogenic B. odocolei to B. microti in areas where these species co-exist.”  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/20/10/13-0938_article

I think it would be folly to presume anything, and the potential of B. odocoilei to be of concern to human health is relevant. In my opinion, far too much as been presumed about the ability of various ticks to transmit disease, the time it takes to transmit, as well as the ability of numerous strains of pathogens to be of human health concern.

A few things are for sure: more and more is coming out on the coinfection of ticks, that there are many strains and variations of these pathogens to be concerned with, and that current testing is abysmal in picking much of this up.  These issues are some of the factors as to why people remain ill.  Mainstream medicine must awaken from its coma to embrace the complexity of all of this or patients will continue to suffer.

 

 

Category:

Babesia, Lyme, research, Testing, Ticks, Transmission

A Holiday Letter to Loved Ones From the Chronically Ill

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/turning-straw-gold/201512/holiday-letter-loved-ones-the-chronically-ill

A Holiday Letter to Loved Ones from the Chronically Ill

Not your typical “here’s what I did this year” holiday letter.

Posted Dec 06, 2015

By Toni Bernhard J.D.

Turning Straw Into Gold

Jez Tims/Unsplash.com
Source: Jez Tims/Unsplash.com

As is true every year at this time, I’ve received several holiday cards from family and friends that have also contained a letter in which they share their news from this past year. I enjoy these letters, although sometimes it’s hard to read about the places people have visited and the things they’ve done since I was virtually housebound all year. Reading these letters made me wonder what I’d put in a holiday letter were I to send one out to family and friends. Here’s how it would read: (See link for article)

Category:

Activism, Lyme

Infections Increase the Risk of Developing Sjogren’s Syndrome

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30892751/

2019 Jun;285(6):670-680. doi: 10.1111/joim.12888. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Infections increase the risk of developing Sjögren’s syndrome.

Mofors J1, Arkema EV2, Björk A1, Westermark L3, Kvarnström M1, Forsblad-d’Elia H4, Magnusson Bucher S5, Eriksson P6, Mandl T7, Nordmark G3, Wahren-Herlenius M1.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Environmental factors have been suggested in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases. We here investigated whether infections increase the risk of developing primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

METHODS:

Patients with pSS in Sweden (n = 945) and matched controls from the general population (n = 9048) were included, and data extracted from the National Patient Register to identify infections occurring before pSS diagnosis during a mean observational time of 16.0 years. Data were analysed using conditional logistic regression models. Sensitivity analyses were performed by varying exposure definition and adjusting for previous health care consumption.

RESULTS:

A history of infection associated with an increased risk of pSS (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.3). Infections were more prominently associated with the development of SSA/SSB autoantibody-positive pSS (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.5). When stratifying the analysis by organ system infected, respiratory infections increased the risk of developing pSS, both in patients with (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.8-4.7) and without autoantibodies (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.8), whilst skin and urogenital infections only significantly associated with the development of autoantibody-positive pSS (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8-5.5 and OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7-4.2). Furthermore, a dose-response relationship was observed for infections and a risk to develop pSS with Ro/SSA and La/SSB antibodies. Gastrointestinal infections were not significantly associated with a risk of pSS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Infections increase the risk of developing pSS, most prominently SSA/SSB autoantibody-positive disease, suggesting that microbial triggers of immunity may partake in the pathogenetic process of pSS.

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For more: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/19/sjogrens-syndrome-clinical-benefits-of-low-dose-naltrexone-therapy/

Tick-borne illnesses are all infections that could potentially increase the risk of developing primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) yet most doctors will not even consider this.

 

 

 

Category:

Lyme, research, Testing

French and Australian Connections on Lyme, Inflammation and Cancer: Medicine Week 2019, Baden-Baden

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/french-australian-connections-lyme-inflammation-cancer-yu-md/

French and Australian Connections on Lyme, Inflammation and Cancer: Medicine Week 2019, Baden-Baden

By Dr. Simon Yu, MD

Medical Director at Prevention and Healing,Inc.
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Medicine Week in Germany is considered one of the biggest cutting-edge complementary medical conferences in the world and there are multiple lectures simultaneously held at the huge congress hall. I gave a lecture on Parasites, Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation in the section on “Causal Therapies for Chronic Inflammation and Chronic Infection,” sponsored by Dr. med. Rainer Mutschler from Germany.

Many of the international speakers covered cutting edge topics of Lyme, parasites, mold, inflammation and chronic infections, and different treatment modalities. Bacteriophage therapy and hemoadsorption therapy were new concepts for me take home to investigate further.

The first speaker, Louis Charles Teulieres, MD from France and England, spoke on bacteriophages in Lyme disease and diagnostics. Bacteriophages are a hot topic in the Lyme community as a means to detect and treat Lyme disease instead of heavily relying on antibiotics. Bacteriophages, a dominant viral life form existing as naked DNA with a protein coat, infect bacteria and “devour” them. They are everywhere: 50 million bacteriophage viruses are found in one milliliter of seawater.

Dr. Teulieres’ main focus: Is there a place for bacteriophages in diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease? Can this provide an alternative treatment to antibiotics for Lyme disease, and thereby avoid post-antibiotic resistance? His lecture was highly technical, and it is still theoretical to use bacteriophages as a diagnostic tool, or to kill Borrelia Lyme bacteria with a Borrelia-specific virus. Phage Therapy is a novel idea to be tested soon. I have some skepticism about this approach which overlooks hidden dental spirochete and parasite infections, but stay tuned for more research.

Other topics included molds and fungus in chronic inflammation by Dr. Damien Downing of London, a lecture on biofilm by a doctor from Scandinavia, Lyme and co-infections by Prof. Dr. Kenny de Meirleir of Belgium, immune monitoring of hemoadsorption approaches as a new treatment option in antibiotic resistant chronic Lyme infection by Prof. Dr. Marion Schneider of Germany, and patient cases treated with hemoadsorption and extracorporeal hyperthermia by Dr. med. Rainer Mutschler of Germany.

Bacteriophage testing for Lyme disease claims it could detect direct evidence of Borrelia presence, is highly sensitive and specific, could distinguish Lyme from relapsing fever Borrelia strains, could distinguish active and non-active Borrelia presence, and could be developed to have the ability to distinguish different Borrelia sub-types.

On my last day at the Medicine Week, I met Australian researcher Jennie Burke, MSc from Sydney who gave a lecture on, Cancer and Infection. I did not attend her lecture but at the night meeting at the restaurant, she gave me her lecture slides to review.

To my delight, she presented on viral, bacterial and parasite infections as possible causative agents for the development of tumors or opportunistic inhabitants. Her slides covered controversial topics from Virginia Livingston Wheeler, Royal Rife and Dr. Milbank Johnson on BX virus and Rife frequency therapy, Dr. Laszlo K. Csatary on Newcastle virus, and included a list of bacteria and viruses associated with inducing cancer. Her list of cancer types and infections include Gallbladder carcinoma, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and Ovarian, Colorectal, Lung, Pancreatic, Breast, Prostate, Anal and Oral cancer. She listed the names of the bacterial and viral infections and development of specific cancer types.

Her last slide was: Parasites in Cancer? The antiparasitic mebendazole shows survival benefit in preclinical models of glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer). Supporting articles include: Mebendazole Monotherapy and Long Term Disease Control in Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma, Mebendazole Inhibits Growth of Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines Implanted in Nude Mice, and Mebendazole Elicits a Potent Antitumor Effect on Human Cancer Cell Lines Both in Vitro and in Vivo.

The development of cancer, infections and environmental toxins are not a new concept, but have been largely sidelined (seduced) by the genetic mutation theory of cancer. It is time to renew infections and environmental toxins, including EMF, as the driving forces of inflammation and immune dysregulation. The end results are the imbalance of Th1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T immune cells that can trigger autoimmune reactions or development of cancer.

I have written many articles on parasites, fungal infections and cancer connections, presenting cancer as an infectious disease as if cancer is a metabolic parasite. Dr. Tim Guilford and I published, Antiparasitic and Antifungal Medications for Targeting Cancer Cells Literature Review and Case Studies, in PubMed with extensive references. If you are suffering from cancer, get a copy and share with your oncologist. He or she may embrace and try parasite and fungal medications or scorn you and laugh at you. You have nothing to lose by trying.

Listening to French, Australian and other international speakers at Medicine Week was worthwhile, and I learn from going to Baden-Baden every year. Meeting good friends and enjoying good wine, beer, food and Roman Baths give even more incentives to attend, and expand my horizons.

Dr. Simon Yu, M.D. is a Board Certified Internist. He practices Internal Medicine with an emphasis on Integrative Medicine to use the best each has to offer. For more articles and information about integrative medicine, patient success stories, and Dr. Yu’s new book, AcciDental Blow Up in Medicine: Battle Plan for Your Life, visit his website at www.preventionandhealing.com or call Prevention and Healing, Inc., 314-432-7802. You can also attend a free monthly presentation and discussion by on Integrative Medicine at his office on the second Tuesday each month at 6:30 pm. Call to verify the date. Seating is limited, arrive early.

Category:

Activism, Biofilm, Lyme, Uncategorized

7 Ways You’re Unknowingly Putting Yourself At Risk For Lyme Disease

https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-11-18-putting-yourself-at-risk-for-lyme-disease.html

7 Ways you’re unknowingly putting yourself at risk for Lyme disease

Monday, November 18, 2019 by:  

Image: 7 Ways you’re unknowingly putting yourself at risk for Lyme disease

(Natural News) After going outside, it may be best to do a tick check. Lyme disease is a dangerous condition that causes fever, rashes, face paralysis, and arthritis. Without proper care, it can even lead to death. Interestingly, something so deadly comes from the bite of something so small: ticks.

Ticks are tiny arachnids commonly found in grassy, woodland areas where they attach themselves to a host. They are commonly associated with deer and other kinds of game found in the wild. However, they are not only found in woods and forests; they can thrive in cities as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 300,000 Americans are infected each year. They are especially plentiful from May to August when they are most active and a lot of people spend time outdoors.

Lia Gaertner, a scientist and board member of the Bay Lyme Area Foundation, pointed out that there are habits that put people at risk of Lyme disease. (Related: Lyme disease compromises your body’s ability to detoxify, increasing risk from environmental toxins like heavy metals.)

1. Not doing a tick check

After going outdoors, search your body for any ticks that may have latched on. Check areas that are exposed or close to clothing edges. Ticks prefer warm areas on the body, including:

  • The armpits
  • In and around the ears
  • Back of the knees
  • Inside the belly button
  • Around the waist
  • In and around all head and body hair (especially the scalp and groin area)

Make sure to also check used clothes before putting them in the hamper. Take a bath afterward for extra measure.

Children are especially vulnerable to tick bites because they play a lot and are closer to the ground. Teach them how to conduct tick checks on their body and their clothes.

2. Being unfamiliar to what a tick looks like

It is difficult to spot a tick when you are unaware of how it looks like. Ticks look like bulb-shaped spiders. It is easy to miss them since they embed themselves into the skin.

You can spot them by feeling a small bump while patting a pet or combing one’s hair. Ticks commonly have a dark color, but there are lighter varieties.

When planning for a hike or camping somewhere in the woods, it is best to do prior research on known ticks found in the area and prepare promptly.

3. Sleeping with your dog with no tick check

Some people prefer to sleep with their pets. Before doing that, however, do not skimp on conducting a tick check. Pets, like children, are vulnerable to tick bites because they often go out and are close to the ground.

4. Lowering your guard in city parks

People like lying on the grass or against trees in city parks, which makes them more vulnerable to tick bites. Lay a picnic mat before lying on the grass. Make sure to check the mat afterward upon getting home.

5. Raking leaves

Ticks can be found in tall grasses, but they hide under fallen leaves as well. This is especially the case in Southern states, where it is generally hotter.

When raking leaves, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Spray some natural insect repellent, like citronella or lavender essential oil, at the cuffs and other holes where a tick can slip inside the clothes.

6. Thinking you’re safe in a place with no deer

It is a common misconception that ticks only attach themselves to deer, but mice, squirrels, and other animals can be carriers as well. In general, places with grassy and forested areas are more likely to have ticks, but when these animals reach the city, they can carry the ticks with them.

7. Throwing away the tick

If you find a tick attached to you, do not just throw it away. Carefully remove it with a pair of tweezers and lock it inside a container, like a sealing bag or small plastic container. Send it for testing to find out if it was infected or not. If it was, you can implement measures to prevent Lyme disease from developing.

It is impossible to completely remove ticks from residential or camping areas. However, you can implement measures that can prevent their bites. Avoid the listed habits and learn more about treating and preventing Lyme disease at Prevention.news.

Sources include:

Healthline.com

CDC.gov

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For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/12/tick-prevention-2019/

Regarding raking leaves – ticks love leaf litter. They also love bark mulch.  They love anything that provides humidity.  For example – Japanese barberry, a common yard shrub is a perfect habitat for ticks:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/25/juvenile-tick-attachment-on-mice-significantly-greater-in-japanese-barberry-shrubs/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/01/20/manage-barberry-lower-ticks/  Bizarrely enough, this particular shrub is the source of Berberine, an herb that obtains high amounts of resveratrol – which does so many great things for the body:  https://www.superfoodly.com/resveratrol-foods-supplements/ 

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2015/09/30/barberry-friend-or-foe/

Ticks evidently love pumpkin patches too:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/21/mom-got-rocky-mountain-spotted-fever-while-picking-pumpkins/

When you are partaking in nature – use permethrin on all your clothing and shoes:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/27/study-conforms-permethrin-causes-ticks-to-drop-off-clothing/

Use either Deet or Picaradin on skin. (See first link for information on products)

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Ticks