Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

Borrelia Under the Microscope: Dr. Leona Gilbert

https://www.lookingatlyme.ca/2023/11/episode-58-under-the-microscope-dr-leona-gilbert/

Bonus episode 58. Under the microscope with Dr. Leona Gilbert

Understanding Borrelia at a cellular level.
BYLEAP TEAM
Dr. Leona Gilbert, Episode 58, on Looking at Lyme Podcast.
In this podcast we catch up with Dr. Leona Gilbert to take an inside look at the Lyme bacteria, Borrelia, and find out how it interacts with our cells and how it can evade our immune system. Dr. Gilbert has a doctorate in biotechnology with an extensive background in bio-innovation and bio-business. We’ll also find out more about her research and the impact it is having on how we understand Lyme disease and associated infections. Dr. Gilbert is originally from Canada and is now based in Finland.

When immune cells meet Borrelia

Dr. Gilbert describes the basic process that occurs when Borrelia is encountered in the body by an immune cell called a macrophage. She explains that during this process, the macrophage displays proteins on the surface of the macrophage in order for the immune system to be able to recognize Borrelia. She highlights some of the unique characteristics of Borrelia which include its long length, very thin “hair like” width and its corkscrew shape. Macrophages in turn are required to use specific mechanisms in order to process this large and irregular pathogen. They have arm-like protrusions that envelop Borellia, which then curl up before being ingested into the cell.

“Borrelia is a corkscrew-like structure, so it’s kind of coiling and it’s really 20 micrometers in length and 200 nanometers width, so it’s very thin, and pleomorphic means it can change its shape based on its environment…when Borrelia is faced with an adverse environment…it recognises the environment is stressful for them, so they tend to protrude its outer membrane and make these little blebs, and the blebs actually ball out…and make these round bodies.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Borrelia is a shapeshifter

Borrelia can be described as “pleomorphic”. Because of it’s long, thin, corkscrew structure, it can change its shape depending on its environment. For example, if Borrelia senses an adverse environment such as change in pH or nutrients, it protrudes its outer membrane to create “blebs” which progress into “round bodies”. Round bodies are circular and contain coiled up genetic material of Borrelia. In the past, it was thought that these round bodies were cell wall deficient, but research is showing that they actually do have a cell wall.

“We also have noticed in vitro as well as in vivo studies of ours and others, that Borrelia can form biofilm structures…they like to clump together…it’s been speculated that the biofilm is a really resistant form to protect the bacteria against antibiotics and so forth, but in that biofilm it’s also having different pleomorphic forms…the spirochete (parent) form, the round body form…spirochetes with these blebs, you will see all of that in the biofilm-like structures.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Sheltering in biofilms

Dr. Gilbert explains that in human, animal and laboratory studies, Borrelia can be found in biofilm structures in which Borrelia group together. The bacteria will recruit elements in their environment, such as proteins in the blood, to create an extracellular matrix for the biofilm to attach itself to. Tissue testing has shown that these biofilms have been found in joints as well as brain tissue. She notes that the different forms of Borrelia can be found in the biofilm, including the parent form, the blebs and the round bodies. Through something called quorum sensing, the bacteria share genetic material which support persistent forms of Borrelia. Newer research indicates that these biofilms may include other microbes as well.

“(Borrelia) will actually recruit other kinds of proteins there to create this extracellular matrix so that the biofilm can attach itself…and start building up, really a solid structure. We have seen this in the joints of people and in the brains of…autopsy samples.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Under the microscope

In order to better understand Borrelia, transmission electron microscopy is used. Electrons go through the cellular structure so that the interior and exterior structures can be visualized. Through a process called immuno-labeling, antibodies for specific structures in Borrelia such as its DNA, outer surface proteins, or p41 of the flagella are employed to be able to “label” each of these structures in order to better understand them. Immunolabeling can also help scientists understand how Borrelia and its components interact with immune cells such as macrophages.

Focus on skin and joint cells

To better understand how Borrelia behaves in humans, Dr. Gilbert’s team used skin and joint cells in their research. They infected these cells at different time intervals to see if Borrelia can survive inside the cell. Their research showed that Borrelia were indeed able to survive inside the skin and joint cells. Unlike some other pathogens that kill host cells, Borrelia appears to “hide out” within the cell in order to protect itself. They also found that Borrelia exists in different forms in each of the cell types. In the joint cells, which are more acidic, Borrelia was more likely to morph into round bodies than in the skin cells.

“These persistent reserves, these are these niches of where Borrelia wants to hide out…lymph nodes…they really can affect the overall antibody production pathway that’s occurring in the host…we also know the niches like the knee, they eyes, the brain…(the vagus nerve) could be a niche as well.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Exploring cell death and persistence

Dr. Gilbert explains some of the science behind cell death. Apoptosis is the regular or “programmed” cell death that occurs to enable healthy regeneration of new cells. In contrast, necrosis, or unprogrammed cell death occurs during tissue damage. Different types of cell death result in different markers being detected in the tissue. Through these research techniques, the differences in cell death between various immune cells can be explored. Dr. Gilbert’s team also found that the skin and joint cell lines they were testing were surviving, and explains that this discovery will create new avenues of research.

Mechanisms of persistence

Various places in the body can become reservoirs for Borrelia bacteria, including lymph nodes. Dr. Gilbert notes that their presence there seems to also “downregulate” immune processes in the body. Other “niches” for Borrelia are the knees, the eyes, the brain and possibly the vagus nerve. Borrelia may evade the immune system by hiding out in these areas. Why do some patients have symptoms after treatment for Lyme disease? Dr. Gilbert describes some of the potential reasons that some patients have symptoms after treatment for Lyme disease. These include persistent infection, persistent antigens, autoimmune processes and immune dysfunction.

“What is the mechanism behind post treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or chronic Lyme…is there a persistent infection, or persistent antigens, or is it an autoimmune occurrence, is it immune dysfunction? So there is evidence to suggest that these persistent kind of niches do exist not only in animal studies, non-human primate studies and also in human studies.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Extracellular vesicles: creating a diversion

Pathogens such as Borrelia can pump out structures called extracellular vesicles, or EV’s, which contain components of the pathogen inside them. Because the immune system recognizes components inside the EV’s, it may seek out the EV rather than the actual pathogen. Dr. Gilbert explains that while the immune system is distracted by these “decoys”, Borrelia bacteria can invade tissues in the body. She notes that EV’s are also linked to autoimmune diseases and cognitive changes.

A call for more research

Dr. Gilbert explains that she is constantly looking to the patient population to guide her research. As many patients remain symptomatic after treatment with antibiotics, she started to look at the use of phytochemicals or herbal supplements. She found that although there’s good anecdotal evidence to demonstrate the success of these treatments, there is a lack of human research to support their use. She urges clinicians and researchers to fill this gap by developing research studies to better understand the effectiveness of these phytochemicals. Dr. Gilbert shares her own research findings by speaking internationally at Lyme disease and other conferences.

“What is the mechanism behind post treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or chronic Lyme…is there a persistent infection, or persistent antigens, or is it an autoimmune occurrence, is it immune dysfunction? So there is evidence to suggest that these persistent kind of niches do exist not only in animal studies, non-human primate studies and also in human studies.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Tezted: testing for Borrelia (and friends)

Tezted is a university spin-off company created to address problems with the two-tier testing system. It also addresses the findings of Dr. Gilbert and other researchers, that patients with Borrelia are often infected with other pathogens such as Bartonella and Babesia. They found that 85% of Lyme patients also have co-infections. Tickplex tests for 15 different microbes, and IgG and IgM with quantification in order to help determine the stage of disease. There is also a test for mycotoxins such as those found in mold. While waiting for approval in Canada, Dr. Gilbert has worked with several labs in Europe, the United States and Mexico.

“We have this saying that Borrelia likes its friends…we demonstrated that 85% of Lyme patients in that study, and even now in other studies, actually have co-infections.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

The importance of patient collaboration in research

Dr. Gilbert is passionate about global collaboration to find solutions and highlights the importance of working with patient groups. She works with a group called Lyme Global, which is focussed on collaborating and communicating with people around the world to discuss issues, which she notes are common worldwide. She is also collaborating with Dr. Lambert from Ireland to improve the current database of Lyme disease research.

Mining data to gain a better understanding

In closing, Dr. Gilbert points to the emerging field of artificial intelligence and machine learning in research. With the help of technology, the data from multiple sources can be mined and clustered to support hypotheses that are otherwise difficult to examine. Thank you Dr. Gilbert for sharing your research with us and with the world!

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Category:

Lyme, research

Borreliosis Test

The following test is from a specialized, private lab called DEDIMED which is in Berlin, Germany; however, patients who do not live in Berlin receive blood sampling kits for the 18 Parameter Borrelia test. With this blood sampling material, they then go to their doctor and send the tube with the blood and the requirement to DEDIMED. The findings are then discussed with Dr. Waldherr by phone and sent to the patient by mail. A short telephone call with specialist physician Dr. Waldherr is recommended, in order to clarify questions about the diagnosis, illness and treatment and to obtain detailed information.

Dr. Waldherr uses a total of 18 different tests for Borrelia antibodies; Which is significantly more than other labs. The hit rate here is well over 90 percent, whether the patient is serologically positive or negative. Two different measurement techniques are used. The immunofluorescence test with 12 parameters and the immunoblot test with 6 parameters. Within the framework of these measurement techniques, no classical screenings are carried out, but differentiation is made between the different, pathogenic types of borrelia. Thus a very high sensitivity and specificity is achieved.

In addition, Dr. Waldherr offers in his practice a tick test with subsequent diagnostics to investigate whether ticks are colonized with Borrelia or TBE virus.

https://dedimed.com/en/patients/borreliosis/ak-18save/

BORRELIOSIS TEST AK-18SAVE

Safe and reliable diagnose Borreliosis

Chronic infections such as borreliosis increase the stress on the body. This is often manifested by persistent exhaustion, burnout symptoms or even joint pain. With the AK-18Save Borreliosis Test, you can safely diagnose Borreliosis and then choose the right therapy:

  • The most sensitive test combination on the market: with two test methods and 18 tested parameters, we achieve high sensitivity and specificity.
  • Safe result: Our hit rate is comparatively high at 90%, thus reducing false-negative results.
  • Ease of use: Patients outside Berlin can order blood collection kits.

Why is a safe diagnosis of chronic infections important?

An infection is a general stress on the body. A stressor that creates stress for the body. In acute, then healing infections the stress is correspondingly declining rapidly. However, a chronic stress develops during a chronic infection.

A chronic infection such as Lyme borreliosis is an “energy eater” and consumes 1/3 of the biochemical energy that humans produce. This constant “stress” of the body leads to the exhaustion of the neurotransmitters (messengers) and can lead to the development of a burnout. Further consequences are, for example, pain in the area of ​​the joints. Another manifestation is found in the nervous system, the so-called neuroborreliosis.

Unspecific symptoms usually result from a chronic infection. Thes are often not recognized as the result of one or more diseases and is often treated as psychosomatic. Lyme borreliosis is the consequence of ticks.

How do you achieve such a high hit rate?

By analyzing with two measurement techniques, we are able to determine significantly more features of the antigen structure of the Borrelia than is possible with standard tests. With both tests we determine the antibodies. We determine the surface characteristics (IFT) of the antigens and we also separate them according to mass and charge (IB). Thus, we get a very sensitive statement about a borrelia infection of the patient.

Within the framework of these two antibody tests we are testing two Borreliosis antibodies IgG and IgM. These are the body’s own proteins which form a defensive reaction. They are of different sizes and occur at different times:

  • IgM is formed as the first reaction to an infection and disappears after some time. IgM is therefore usually an indication of an acute thrust of a chronic infection.
  • IgG occurs subsequently and remains longer, up to many years, and marks the transition to the healing or to the chronic phase.

Why is chronic borreliosis so difficult to diagnose?

The reliable diagnosis of chronic borreliosis is difficult to determine for various reasons. On the one hand, the symptoms of chronic borreliosis are very different, diverse and unspecific.

After the bite of ticks only every second develops a flush. At the same time, you are often associated with other diseases such as rheumatism or depression (neuroborreliosis). Borrelia also has a camouflage mechanism and can change their surface structure. In addition, they can manifest themselves at the most diverse and different points of the body. Because of the different pathogenic Borrelia species, it is particularly difficult to make a targeted diagnosis.

The standard tests have a much lower hit rate than the AK-18Save Borreliosis Test, are inaccurate and can be negative, even if the patients are infected.

Together with the anamnesis and the symptoms, this results in a clear diagnosis for a subsequent targeted treatment. The Dedimed AK-18Save Borreliosis Test is thus more accurate and reliable than other tests currently available on the market.

What are the disadvantages of standard borreliosis tests?

The standardized tests often lead to “false negative” results, which is absolutely fatal for the person concerned and a wrong diagnosis is made. In the AK-18Save Borreliosis test, we prevent a misdiagnosis with a 90 % certainty and the patient is equally certain there is an infection.

Dedimed is often the eighth or ninth starting point for the person concerned because the previous examinations did not bring any results with different doctors.
Borrelia is very variable in its antigen structure: some features are found in several species of Borrelia, some in only a few. In many standardized screening tests, rare characteristics are not recognized. The result: false-negative finding. With our borreliosis test we detect both the frequent and the rare characteristics.

What role do co-infections play in the diagnosis of borreliosis?

Borreliosis alone can cause mild to severe symptoms. But what many do not know is that ticks can transmit different co-infections together with the Borrelia. These include pathogens such as Bartonella, Babesia, Rickettsia or Chlamydia, which in turn can cause various symptoms. Co-infections are also predominantly diagnosed by our two immunoblot (IB) and immunofluorescence (IFT) test methods.

TIP: Blood Collection Kit Borrelia Test: Patients who do not live in Berlin receive blood collection kits. With this blood sampling material, the patients then go to their (mostly a family doctor) and send the tube with the blood and the request form to our borreliosis practice. The findings are then mostly discussed with our physician Dr. Waldherr by phone and sent to the patient by mail.

What is a Borreliosis Therapy?

A chronic infection, such as chronic borreliosis, but also the associated co-infections, present a great challenge both diagnostically and therapeutically.

Acute and fresh bacterial infections can usually be treated very well by means of a consequent antibiotic therapy for several weeks..

On the other hand, chronic infections with regard to the therapy are more differentiated and represent a much greater challenge. During a chronic active borreliosis, longer-term antibiotics (minimum 3 months) is usually required. This can be done either by oral injection or by infusion.

Another very effective therapy to fight the Borrelia is the extreme whole-body hyperthermia. Borrelia are thermolabile and die at a temperature of 41.6 degrees. Here the patients are brought effectively to temperature. Extreme hyperthermia is only performed under strict medical supervision by monitoring vital signs.

Do you have any questions about our borreliosis test?

A short phone call with our laboratory physician, Dr. med. Anton Waldherr Tel. + 49 (0) 033203 is recommended.

labor@dedimed.com

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For more:

Category:

Lyme, Testing

Unpacking the CDC’s Position on Chronic Lyme Disease

http://  Approx. 52 Min

Nov. 12, 2023

Unpacking the CDC’s Position on Chronic Lyme Disease with “The Quiet Epidemic” Director Lindsay Keys

Fred Diamond’s popular book, “Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know” offers those who love someone with persistent or chronic Lyme ideas and tips to support this beloved person. It also helps Lyme survivors know how to ask for support.

On today’s podcast, Fred interviews Lindsay Keys, co-director of the smash hit documentary “The Quiet Epidemic.”

The Quiet Epidemic was released in 2022 and provides an amazing perspective on the political issues concerning Lyme disease and the CDC’s unsatisfactory history acknowledging that chronic Lyme even exists.

On October 27, 2023, the CDC quietly added a page on its website that lists the bacteria that causes #Lymedisease as an infection that can cause chronic symptoms. On this show, we unpack what this really means. Is it the big deal that some think it is? Or not. If someone you love has been afflicted with Lyme disease, listen to this podcast now. The e-version of Fred’s book is always free for Lyme survivors.

Just reach out to Fred on Facebook or LinkedIn. The print copy can be ordered at https://www.amazon.com/Love-Hope-Lyme….

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IF THEIR BRAZEN, CONTINUED ILLEGAL HANDLING OF COVID DIDN’T PROVE THIS, NOTHING WILL.
Did you know it is not a true government agency due to vast amounts of private funding it funnels through the CDC Foundation?

Published writings prove the CDC has a false Lyme narrative.

I’m so done with the CDC and every single Lyme/MSIDS patient should be too.

Category:

Activism, Lyme

FREE Webinar: The State of Lyme Disease Research & Tick-Borne Disease-Related Legislative Action

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S4YmYqBvTECf6M5FyHkzMg#/registration  Register Here

The State of Lyme Disease Research and Tick-Borne Disease-Related Legislative Action

Date & Time
Nov 30, 2023 06:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)
Description
Join us Thursday, November 30 at 7 PM ET for an update on the State of Lyme Disease Research.
Description:
Bonnie Crater and Nicole Bell with the Center for Lyme Action will present an overview of their recently released policy paper – “The State of Lyme Disease Research in the United States.” The research paper explores the progress that has been made to find a cure for Lyme and tick-borne diseases, making 26 recommendations for research investments by the federal government and calling for an annual investment of $500 million – $1 billion to find a cure. The plan outlines five areas of opportunity in tick-borne disease research, including improving fundamental knowledge, detection, prevention, treatment, and research tools and resources.
This webinar is free to members and non-members.

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research

It’s Crucial to Acknowledge & Treat Congenital Lyme Disease

https://www.lymedisease.org/kristina-bauer-congenital-lyme/

It’s crucial to acknowledge and treat congenital Lyme disease

kristina bauer, disulfiram for Lyme disease

By Kristina Bauer

Growing up in Illinois, I loved athletics and spending time outdoors exploring, hiking, camping, and boating. But I didn’t understand how important it was to prevent tick bites. My mom would check my head when I came in from playing in the woods, sometimes pulling off multiple ticks at a time.

I spent the next 30 years going from a very sick state, back to being athletic, and then going back to sick, not realizing what had resulted from those childhood tick bites.

Many doctors told me I was the healthiest sick person they knew, and I should increase my dose of treatment for Crohn’s disease even though I did not have typical Crohn’s symptoms. Truth is, they weren’t pulling the right labs.

I had flu-like symptoms, extremely painful fibromyalgia, migrating joint pain, frequent infections, and intestinal ulcers that would not resolve with prednisone and mesalamine drugs. Sixteen doctors missed my hallmark symptoms of Lyme disease because they hadn’t been trained in medical school about the symptoms and how to diagnose it properly.

I knew I was sick but got a pass from so many experts that I hoped I could lead a normal life. After college, when I married and had children, the health problems continued. By then, I was living in Texas.

Lyme disease and co-infections

In time, I visited the best-known Lyme specialist in the state and found I tested CDC-positive for Lyme and several co-infections. My LLMD made sure I tested my kids as well, although we knew that Lyme testing is not always definitive. Although none of my kids had ever had a known tick bite, they all had compromised immune systems—getting sick often and taking a long time to get well.

My sickest child also experienced periodic “absence seizures”— brief, sudden lapses of consciousness—yet had no bands on the Western blot Lyme test at all. Another child was positive through IGeneX Labs. The other two had only a few positive bands—but given a thorough history and taking into account the mother’s health, were given a clinical diagnosis of Lyme.

We treated all five of us over the course of 10 years, an expensive and gut-wrenching process. After about seven years, the kids and I were all feeling better. Over time, my kids resumed school, work, and enjoying their lives.

The heartache of watching our friends being active while we were stuck in bed, feelings of abandonment by the medical care system, and a lack of resources for the Lyme community is what fueled me to start advocating for congenital families.

The need for education

I thought, “how could this happen in America, and who is speaking for us?” I vowed to do what I could to change that by advocating, educating, and legislating for pediatric and congenital Lyme patients, and opening access to care for treatments. In time, I started the Texas Lyme Alliance and started speaking on behalf of congenital families because there was not a lot of discussion on the topic. I conduct interviews with leading clinicians and researchers for treatments and diagnostics to educate families and physicians alike.

I graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition Health Coaching, and now connect people to resources for complex Lyme treatment all over the world. While I do not provide medical advice, I love unraveling the mystery of treating Lyme disease, and enjoy passing on my knowledge I’ve learned and my experience from treating with some of the best doctors from Texas to Germany.

This interview with Dr. Ronald Wilson can be passed along to your family, friends, and physician to help them understand how to test for Lyme, and how crucial it is to treat all the forms Lyme goes into to evade treatment and the immune system.

http://  (Approx. 23 Min)

Congenital Lyme

Dr. Wilson serves on the Medical Board of Texas Lyme Alliance.

Congenital Lyme, a Dr.’s perspective. Dr. Wilson is a board certified OBGYN of 31 years, delivered 6,000 babies, became a Lyme patient then turned Lyme doctor. He had treated 5,000 Lyme patients over 15 years. Dr. Wilson is a Harvard graduate and the President of Education for ILADEF, the international authority in guidelines (ILADS) for treating tick born illness. Thank you Dr. Wilson and all the Lyme docs around the world for helping us get our lives back! Interviewed by Kristina Bauer, founder Texas Lyme Alliance and Communications Expert GOTCHA.

You can see more of Kristina’s interviews on the website of the Texas Lyme Alliance.

For more:

Category:

Lyme, Pregnancy, Testing, Ticks