Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

The Spike Protein and the Spirochete: SARS-CoV-2 Infections, Reinfections and Exposures to its Spike Protein May Effectively Simulate “Lyme Disease”

https://wmcresearch.substack.com/p/the-spike-protein-and-the-spirochete?

Just like the Lyme Disease pathogen, the Spike Protein invades organs through – the endothelium – with remarkably similar results.

Dependence of B. burgdorferi–endothelial interactions under physiological shear stress on pFn. (A) Schematic illustrating initiation steps (tethering, dragging) of the B. burgdorferi–endothelial interaction cascade leading to bacterial transmigration across endothelial barriers into extravascular tissues. Tethering bacteria anchor to endothelial surfaces via tethers, pause repeatedly as they move over endothelial surfaces, but move faster than 100 μm⋅s−1. Dragging bacteria move more slowly (<100 μm⋅s−1) and are untethered. Both tethering and dragging are Fn-dependent in mouse PCVs (18). There are reduced numbers of B. burgdorferi tethering and dragging on primary human endothelial monolayers in flow chambers at typical PCV shear stress (1 dyn/cm2) following treatment with polyclonal anti-Fn antiserum (B) and depletion of pFn from serum in bacterial cultivation medium (C). Numbers of tethering and dragging GFP-expressing B. burgdorferi (strain GCB966) in the presence of nonspecific IgGs or polyclonal αFn IgGs were measured by manual counting. In B, GCB966 was cultivated in the presence of mouse blood before imaging. In C, bacteria were cultivated without mouse blood to eliminate all sources of pFn. In C, −pFn indicates pFn-depleted growth conditions; for +pFn samples, bacteria grown under pFn-depleted conditions were supplemented with human pFn (+pFn) to the concentration present in blood (0.3 mg/mL) before imaging. Summary values: mean ± SEM. Statistics: two-way ANOVA, Holm–Sidak posttest (n = 3 independent bacterial and endothelial cultures per group). *P < 0.05 vs. IgG (B) or −pFn (C) within the same interaction type.

We can learn much about the Spike Protein by studying Lyme Disease. It is remarkable how much commonality Spike Protein-related disease and Lyme Disease share. Let’s start with infection. For Lyme Disease, it is through a tick bite. For the Spike Protein, it is through the respiratory tract (directly into the bloodstream, too, unfortunately). For example, we can edit Lyme Disease pathogenesis to mirror the Spike Protein’s.  (See link for article)

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**Comment**

This is the first time I’ve seen Lyme compared to the spike protein; however, when you study how both disseminate in the body, there are similarities – not to mention how ‘the powers that be’ have treated both diseases (censorship, denial of effective treatment, the push for a ‘vaccine,’ etc.)

Just today, a study came out stating:

Our findings reveal that the first contact of B. burgdorferi and blood vessels is not random but involves close interactions with pericytes. We also capture the infiltration of immune cells in the skin and their interactions with invading bacteria. Altogether, these observations suggest that Borrelia strategically targets vascular regions with lower mechanical resistance to breach the endothelial barrier, thereby enhancing its dissemination.

In other words, Bb has tricks up its sleeve.  But we always knew that.

In the Discussion section the authors admit:

Due to the wave-like morphology and typically low abundance of pathogenic spirochetes in tissues, it is challenging to accurately identify the bacteria from random 2D electron microscopy projections. To reliably confirm the presence of Bb, one must either employ a correlative approach35 or conduct a complete 3D reconstruction of the spirochete.

And herein lies the problem: researchers are not using advanced enough techniques to find these elusive organisms causing so much damage.

The authors also state they found Bb in collagen bundles which provide natural pathways for migration through connective tissue which then gets degraded in later disease stages, but that by:

avoiding overt destruction of host tissues, Bb may reduce the likelihood of triggering host defense mechanisms that could thwart its spread.

So, no, you are not going nuts.
You are infected with a sneaky organism with an affinity for skin, bones, tissues, and tendons and yes, you will painfully feel it. 

Further, the study demonstrates a sort of intelligence to Bb:

The initial phase likely represents a “probing” stage during which the bacteria survey the microenvironment. At this stage, Bb interacts with the vasculature using a smaller area of its cell body, without penetrating either the PCs, ECs, or the surrounding BM (Fig. 2). This is followed by a second phase characterized by a gradual increase in the number of endothelial contact sites, suggesting a transition from transient adhesion to a more stable interaction prior to traversal.

You can read my comments to the top article by going to the top link.

SOT Part 2

https://www.lymedisease.org/sot-for-lyme-part-two/

Targeting Lyme at the genetic level: SOT’s emerging role

This is Part Two of a series on Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT),  a form of antisense oligonucleotide therapy. SOT is a personalized, gene-silencing treatment designed to disrupt pathogens like Lyme disease. Read Part One here.

10/8/25

By Maria Marian, ND, MSE

The idea of silencing genes to weaken pathogens may sound futuristic, but antisense oligonucleotide therapies have already proven themselves in medicine.

Cancer research: Multiple antisense drugs have been studied in oncology to block genes that promote tumor growth and survival (e.g., Bcl-2, EGFR). While not all succeeded in trials, these studies helped refine delivery methods and safety monitoring【PMID: 19164450】.

FDA approval for infection: In 1998, fomivirsen (Vitravene) became the first antisense drug approved for human use, targeting CMV retinitis in immunocompromised patients【PMID: 9815174】. This milestone showed that gene silencing could work safely against viruses in humans.

Emerging infectious disease applications:

  • Laboratory studies demonstrate antisense oligonucleotides can inhibit replication of HSV, EBV, hepatitis viruses, and influenza【PMID: 19920191】.
  • In Lyme disease, small clinical series using SOT have reported significant reductions in Borrelia burgdorferi DNA copy numbers in blood following one or two infusions, as measured by PCR. Viral infections like EBV and HSV may require more sessions to achieve measurable results.

Although the published data are limited, these results are encouraging for patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options.

The Patient Experience

From a patient’s perspective, SOT is different from antibiotics, antivirals, or even most integrative therapies.

  • One infusion, long effect: Instead of daily or weekly medication, SOT is given as a single intravenous infusion, yet its activity can last up to six months.
  • Gradual improvement: Because the therapy slowly reduces pathogen replication rather than rapidly killing organisms, many patients notice changes gradually over weeks to months.
  • Reported benefits: Improvements may include reduced fatigue, better cognitive clarity, less pain, and fewer flares of viral reactivation.
  • Side effects: Most reported side effects are mild—such as temporary fatigue, flu-like symptoms, or localized reactions during infusion. Serious side effects appear rare in current reports.

That said, responses vary. Some patients may need multiple SOT cycles for sustained benefit, and others may not notice dramatic changes. As with all therapies, individual outcomes depend on many factors, including immune status, co-infections, and overall health.

Benefits and Strengths of SOT

Patients and clinicians exploring SOT often highlight its unique advantages:

  • Precision: Targets one critical sequence of the pathogen’s genome with minimal off-target effects.
  • Immune-system independent: Works even when immunity is suppressed or exhausted.
  • Continuous action: Active day and night for months, unlike short-lived antibiotics or antivirals.
  • Compatibility: Can be combined with integrative approaches (herbal protocols, detoxification, nutritional support) for a systems-based strategy.

Limitations and Open Questions

Despite its promise, SOT is not a silver bullet. Important limitations remain:

  • Limited clinical research: Most studies so far are pilot projects or case series, not large randomized controlled trials.
  • Not FDA-approved for Lyme or herpes viruses: Currently, its approved infectious disease application (fomivirsen for CMV) is historical. Use for Lyme, EBV, or HSV is off-label/experimental.
  • Cost: Treatments are highly individualized and can be expensive, often not covered by insurance.
  • Unknowns in long-term outcomes: While short-term safety looks good, more research is needed to assess durability of remission and long-term effects.

For these reasons, patients considering SOT should do so under the guidance of a clinician familiar with both its potential and its uncertainties.

Where Does SOT Fit in Chronic Lyme Care?

SOT should be thought of as a potential adjunctive therapy—not a replacement for all other treatments. In chronic Lyme and co-infections, successful treatment usually requires a layered approach, addressing:

  • Microbial burden (Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, viruses, parasites)
  • Immune regulation
  • Detoxification and environmental exposures (mold, metals, chemicals)
  • Mitochondrial and hormonal health
  • Lifestyle and resilience factors

Within that framework, SOT may serve as a targeted tool to reduce microbial load when conventional antimicrobials or integrative protocols have plateaued.

The Future of Gene-Silencing Therapies

The broader field of RNA-based medicine is expanding at remarkable speed. In recent years, the FDA has approved multiple oligonucleotide drugs for rare genetic diseases, including:

  • Nusinersen (Spinraza): spinal muscular atrophy【PMID: 29191460】
  • Eteplirsen: Duchenne muscular dystrophy
  • Patisiran: hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis

These approvals show that oligonucleotide therapies can be safe, effective, and commercially viable. As technology advances, it is likely we will see more robust clinical trials for antisense therapies in infectious diseases, improved delivery systems that increase effectiveness and reduce costs, and expanded targets, not only for microbes but also for the inflammatory pathways they trigger.

For the Lyme community, this represents a hopeful horizon: a class of therapies designed with molecular precision to address infections that often resist conventional treatment.

Final Thoughts

Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy is an exciting example of how genetic medicine is moving from the laboratory into clinical care. While not a cure-all, and not yet backed by large-scale Lyme disease trials, it offers a promising option for patients whose infections have proven stubborn to standard therapies.

As with all emerging treatments, the best approach is a balance of hope and caution: hope that this new tool may bring relief, and caution in recognizing the need for further research and informed decision-making.

For patients and families dealing with the daily challenges of chronic Lyme and viral co-infections, SOT reflects a broader truth in medicine today—sometimes the way forward is not more of the same, but something entirely new.

Click here for Part 1:  SOT therapy for Lyme is experimental, expensive—and full of potential

Maria Marian, ND, MSE, is a naturopathic physician at Jyzen Wellness in Mill Valley, California. In addition to her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, she holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. She specializes in complex chronic illness, Lyme disease, and integrative approaches to immune dysfunction. Follow her on Instagram: @dr.marian.nd

References
  1. Perry CM, Balfour JA. Fomivirsen. Drugs. 1999;57(3):375–380. PMID: 10080450.
  2. Crooke ST. Antisense Drug Technology: Principles, Strategies, and Applications. CRC Press; 2008.
  3. Stein CA, Castanotto D. FDA-Approved Oligonucleotide Therapies in 2017. Mol Ther. 2017;25(5):1069–1075. PMID: 28457632.
  4. Kole R, Krainer AR, Altman S. RNA therapeutics: beyond RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2012;11(2):125–140. PMID: 22262067.
  5. Khorkova O, Wahlestedt C. Oligonucleotide therapies for CNS disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2017;14(4):827–840. PMID: 29191460.
  6. Stein CA, Hansen JB, Lai J, et al. Efficient gene silencing by delivery of locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acids Res. 2010;38(1):e3. PMID: 19850725.

‘AI Said I Had Lyme Disease Before a Doctor Did’

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkjyrm5g1yo

‘AI said I had Lyme disease before a doctor did’

Oct. 13, 2025
 
Jamie Morris
South of England
BBC Oliver Moazzezi is sat looking at his computer screen. He has a beard, white glasses on his head and a black t-shirt.
BBC
 
“I felt like I was being a hypochondriac”

“I felt quite vindicated… if I hadn’t persisted, if I hadn’t put all of my symptoms into AI I would hate to think where I would have been left by healthcare professionals.”

It started with ringing in his ears but over a number of years Oliver Moazzezi also experienced high blood pressure, extreme fatigue and muscle spasms.

Unsatisfied with various explanations from doctors – including anxiety – he decided to ask Artificial Intelligence for answers.

After asking AI he had a test with a private doctor which come back positive for Lyme disease, so it seemed AI had given him the answer – but experts warn using these tools to self-diagnose comes with risks and should be treated with caution.

“I felt like I was being a hypochondriac, I felt like no-one actually wanted to understand or look at all the things I was trying to explain to people quite eloquently.”

Oliver used to go to the gym three times a week and swim regularly before he started developing symptoms – now he can’t.

He said it all started three years ago after he was bitten by a tick that was brought in by his cat from the woods near his home in Whiteley.

In those same woods he describes how at it’s worst, his tinnitus meant he couldn’t hear the rustling of the leaves or the sound of birds.

“All I had was this massive high-pitched scream… it was horrific and it was day and night for weeks and months,” he said.  (See link for article)

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**Comment**

And this, my friends, is the state we are in…..you have to be diagnosed by machine learning because doctors purposely have their heads in the sand.  Oh – but these same deaf, blind, and dumb doctors warn that those concerned with their health speak to a trained clinician…..the very clinicians that miss the diagnosis in the first place!

 

Coach Sidelined With Lyme & Hadid Battling Depression and Anxiety

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/lyme-disease-heart-complications-delaware-state-university-coach/

Delaware State University coach returns to team after Lyme disease caused serious heart complications

Lyme disease numbers are increasing, especially here in the Northeast. The CDC says emergency department visits for tick bites hit their highest level in years over the summer.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can range from fever and headaches to fatigue and joint pain. And in rare cases, it can also cause serious heart complications.

Delaware State University track and field coach Stephen Kimes is easing back into action after being sidelined for nearly two years.

“I was healthy, I was out coaching, moving around all the time. I play basketball, pick up games, whatever, and then suddenly you can’t lift your arms over your head, or you can’t move your legs.” Kimes said.

Kimes’ mysterious symptoms started in early 2024 — ranging from joint pain, light sensitivity, fatigue and eventually shortness of breath.

“I felt like I was being stabbed. It was just the worst pain ever. It wouldn’t go away,” Kimes said.

(See link for article and video story)

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**Comment**

Well, I wonder if Coach Kimes has been told he’s probably infected with Babesia as well and will need much more than doxycycline?

Probably not, since ‘the powers that be’ continue to make this a one drug- one disease type of illness when it is most often far more than that.  The continued denial and downplay of a life-altering illness is truly mind staggering, yet here we are.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1423728/bella-hadid-details-depression-anxiety-struggles

Bella Hadid Details “All-Consuming” Battle With Depression and Anxiety

Bella’s moving account comes less than a month after she shared an emotional look into her physical health, as she continues to navigate the side effects of her Lyme disease diagnosis.

By Hayley Santaflorentina Oct 13, 2025 

Bella Hadid is pulling back the curtain.

The 29-year-old shared an honest look into her mental health journey, chronicling her struggles with anxiety and depression in honor of World Mental Health Day, which occurred on Oct. 10.

“Something I’ve carried for many years is the weight of anxiety and depression,” she captioned her Oct. 12 post. “It can sometimes feel all-consuming, paralyzing, and invisible to the outside world, leaving you in tears before starting your day, wondering why your mind feels so heavy when life around you seems so bright.”

Acknowledging the “deep sense of shame” that can accompany mental health struggles, Bella continued, “I sometimes wonder how life has blessed me and how my body and mind are filled with the weight of sadness, depression, and debilitating anxiety on a regular basis.”

However, the model added that over the years she’s learned to accept her mental health struggles not as a weakness, but instead as a piece of who she is. (See link for article and video)

Are MS and Lyme the Same Thing?

http://

10/25

Here’s what you’ll discover: 

  • Research spanning 100+ years linking MS to Lyme-related bacteria
  • Why up to 90% of MS patients test positive for Borrelia burgdorferi with proper testing
  • The 2017 MS Society study (published in NEJM) showing antibiotics reduced MS progression
  • Modern pathology findings of Lyme bacteria inside MS brain tissue
  • Real treatment strategies that target this infection and others commonly found in MS

For more: