Archive for the ‘research’ Category

Why Your Kid’s Strep Throat Keeps Coming Back

http://sciencemission.com/site/index.php?page=news&type=view&id=health-science%2Fwhy-your-kid-s-strep

Why your kid’s strep throat keeps coming back

Why your kid's strep throat keeps coming backEach year, some 600 million people around the world come down with strep throat. But for some children (and their parents) it’s more than an occasional misery. It’s a recurring nightmare. Yet, it was unclear why some kids are prone to repeated bouts of strep throat while others appear to be more or less immune. The latest study by researchers provides the first clues why some children are more susceptible than others to contracting recurrent group A strep tonsillitis, better known as strep throat.

Their findings, published in the issue of Science Translational Medicine, suggest that recurrent tonsillitis is a multifactorial disease where immunological factors combined with an underlying genetic susceptibility allow group A strep to invade the throats of certain individuals time and again. Gaining a better understanding of why some children fail to develop protective immunity also opens the door to developing a vaccine to protect against strep throat, the researchers predict.

“Repeated strep throat is the second most common indication for the removal of tonsils in children. Like every surgery it carries certain risks but there is recent data suggesting that tonsillectomy may increase the risk of upper respiratory tract diseases in the long term,” says senior co-author Matthew. “My hope is that as we learn more about the causes behind recurrent strep infections we’ll be able to intervene before they happen.”

Strep throat is one of a diverse array of conditions caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, better known as group A Streptococcus (GAS). It can cause pneumonia, scarlet fever, impetigo, which results in highly infectious skin sores, and necrotizing fasciitis, the feared flesh-eating disease. Unlike necrotizing fasciitis, strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics. But if left undiagnosed, it, too, can lead to serious complications.

Trying to understand the longstanding mystery why some children are predisposed to frequent bouts of GAS tonsillitis and what their immune response looks like, the researchers turned to the tonsils themselves. Tonsils are lymph-node like structures located on each side of the back of the throat. Small pockets, or crypts, on their surface collect and sample microbes and can become the breeding ground for GAS.

The authors collected tonsil tissues from a cohort of children aged 5 – 18 who had their tonsils removed either because they suffered from repeated bouts of strep throat or underwent tonsillectomies for unrelated reasons such as sleep apnea. They were particularly interested in germinal centers, the central hubs where B cells have to team up with so-called follicular helper T cells (Tfh cells) to start producing antibodies.

In addition to a significant decrease in the frequency of both B and follicular helper T cells, tonsils from children with recurrent tonsillitis had consistently smaller germinal centers areas overall. “These kids have a poor germinal center response,” says the author. “Interestingly it is associated with a particularly poor antibody response to SpeA, which is an important aspect of protective immunity.”

Short for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin, SpeA is not an essential component of the GAS genome. However, a particularly potent version of the toxin arose in the bacteria in the 1980s and these strains quickly swept the globe to become the most prevalent cause of strep throat. Children in the control group had high anti-SpeA antibody titers, which indicated that they had been exposed to the bacteria but did not get sick.

Among children with recurrent GAS tonsillitis the disease was likely to run in the family, suggesting a genetic component. Genetic testing revealed two specific genetic variants in the HLA region, which determines how pathogens interact with the immune system, that were associated with increased susceptibility to recurrent tonsillitis and one that protected against the disease.

“Since the immunological connection as well as the genetic connection are all tied to an insufficient antibody response against SpeA it suggests that recognizing this factor is actually a key problem for these kids,” says the author. “Having a vaccine that trains the immune system in advance might be able stimulate a protective immune response that can prevent recurring bouts of tonsillitis.”

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/11/478/eaau3776

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**Comment**

This is important as strep can lead to PANDAS:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/01/05/scary-side-of-childhood-strep/

A highly respected LLMD here in Wisconsin has found that 80% of his PANDAS/PANS kids also have Lyme/MSIDS (borrelia and other coinfections).  There’s much that is still unknown about this life-changing illness but tick borne illness (TBI’s) can definitely cause or exacerbate PANDAS/PANS.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/07/28/stories-of-pandas/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/12/17/my-kid-is-not-crazy-study-shows-1-3-kids-with-pans-have-hallucinations/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/01/27/pans-pandas-autoimmune-encephalitis-rickert-hong/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/12/01/guidelines-for-treating-pans-its-real/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/10/29/neuropsych-disorders-in-kids-an-interview-with-co-founder-of-the-stanford-pans-clinic-dr-kiki-chang/

 

 

 

Category:

Activism, PANS, research

FREE Self-help Gut Health Bundle

https://promo.healthmeans.com/guthealth/?  Register Here

2019-03-08T18-05-38.002Z_d9cf3bb3-63ee-4954-844b-df8809dc8984_group_cover_photo

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Category:

Activism, Gut Health, research, Supplements, Treatment

Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Arizona

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/25/4/18-1369_article

Volume 25, Number 4—April 2019

Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in the White Mountains, Arizona, USA, 2013–2018

Neema Mafi, Hayley D. Yaglom, Craig Levy, Anissa Taylor, Catherine O’Grady, Heather Venkat, Kenneth K. Komatsu, Brentin Roller, Maria T. Seville, Shimon Kusne, John Leander Po, Shannon Thorn, and Neil M. Ampel

Abstract

Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites that occurs in several different parts of the world, including the western United States. We describe 6 cases of TBRF acquired in the White Mountains of Arizona, USA, and diagnosed during 2013–2018. All but 1 case-patient had recurrent fever, and some had marked laboratory abnormalities, including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated aminotransaminases. One patient had uveitis. Diagnosis was delayed in 5 of the cases; all case-patients responded to therapy with doxycycline. Two patients had Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions. The White Mountains of Arizona have not been previously considered a region of high incidence for TBRF. These 6 cases likely represent a larger number of cases that might have been undiagnosed. Clinicians should be aware of TBRF in patients who reside, recreate, or travel to this area and especially for those who sleep overnight in cabins there.

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**Comment**

Do you see the trend yet?  Ticks, pathogens, and disease where they aren’t supposed to exist.  Yet they do.  This study also demonstrates that the Lyme caused by B. burgdorferi is NOT the only borrelia spirochete we need to be concerned about. While the study states,

“In the United States, B. hermsii is thought to be the most common cause of TBRF, and transmission is associated with the bite of soft O. hermsi ticks. Ornithodoros spp,” 

they are not the sole perps as seen below.  A U.S. solider acquired TBRF with the B. turicatae strain and in Europe the strain was caused by B. corocidurae.  The truly frightening aspect is the potential rapid transmission.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/12/22/tbrf-in-texan-dogs-yep-despite-poor-tests-its-there/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/01/10/relapsing-fever-found-at-popular-recreation-site-in-ca-ticks/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/12/20/tick-borne-relapsing-fever-as-a-potential-veterinary-medical-problem/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/05/04/us-soldier-aquires-tickborne-relapsing-fever-caused-by-b-turicatae-from-a-ornithodoros-turicata-tick/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/17/first-case-of-b-corocidurae-in-native-european-presenting-as-meningitis-with-cranial-polyneuritis-cavernous-sinus-thrombosis/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/12/28/relapsing-fever-spirochete-uniquely-adapted-to-highly-oxidative-salivary-glands-of-soft-bodied-tick/

A population persists in the salivary glands allowing for rapid transmission to mammalian hosts during tick feeding.

Much can be learned about Borrelia turicatae by reading this case study:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/23/5/16-2069_article

We learn:

  • Ornithodoros turicata soft bodied ticks, are endemic to Texas and Florida
  • They are found in caves and ground squirrel or prairie dog burrows  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/04/23/tick-borne-relapsing-fever-found-in-austin-texas-caves/
  • Once infected, they remain infected for the rest of their lives, which can be up to ten years.
  • Attachment is painless
  • They are rapid night feeders (5-60min)
  • Due to their rapid feeding they are rarely found or leave lesions
  • Patient in study suffered with headache, nausea, & pain behind knees
  • Had numerous lesions which resolved after 6 days (without treatment)
  • Developed persistent fever
  • Developed thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
  • Developed elevated Erythrocyte sedimentation rate & C-reactive protein
  • Improved rapidly with doxycycline
  • Platelet count normalized within 2 weeks
  • Asymptomatic soldiers with similar exposure were treated prophylactically
  • TBRF is a neglected and probably underdiagnosed disease
  • Published cases in Texas have been supported by serology for the TBRF group, exposure location, and tick collections, but the authors state successful identification of B. turicatae in a human has not been reported
  • Military training groups in Israel have declared certain caves off limits because of heavy tick presence https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/27/israeli-kids-get-lyme-disease-from-ticks-in-caves/ and have prophylactically administered doxycycline to those suspected to have been exposed
  • Asymptomatic patients given doxy don’t have a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction but those with active illness do
ANOTHER STUDY DEMONSTRATING THE WILY AND ADAPTABLE NATURE OF SPIROCHETES.

 

 

Category:

research, Tickborne Relapsing Fever, Treatment

1st Report of Anaplasma Found in Thai. Bartonella, Rickettsia, Leptospira, & Scrub Typhus in Humans as Well. Even More Found in Ticks

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30863381

Metagenomic Approach to Characterizing Disease Epidemiology in a Disease-Endemic Environment in Northern Thailand.

Takhampunya R1, Korkusol A1, Pongpichit C2, Yodin K2, Rungrojn A1, Chanarat N1, Promsathaporn S1, Monkanna T1, Thaloengsok S1, Tippayachai B1, Kumfao N2, Richards AL3, Davidson SA1.

Abstract

In this study, we used a metagenomic approach to analyze bacterial communities from diverse populations (humans, animals, and vectors) to investigate the role of these microorganisms as causative agents of disease in human and animal populations. Wild rodents and ectoparasites were collected from 2014 to 2018 in Nan province, Thailand where scrub typhus is highly endemic. Samples from undifferentiated febrile illness (UFI) patients were obtained from a local hospital. A total of 200 UFI patient samples were obtained and 309 rodents and 420 pools of ectoparasites were collected from rodents (n = 285) and domestic animals (n = 135). The bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced with the Illumina. Real-time PCR and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the next-generation sequencing (NGS) results and to characterize pathogen species.

Several pathogens were detected by NGS in all populations studied and the most common pathogens identified included Bartonella spp., spp., Leptospira spp., and Orientia tsutsugamushi. Interestingly, Anaplasma spp. was detected in patient, rodent and tick populations, although they were not previously known to cause human disease from this region. Candidatus Neoehrlichia, Neorickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Ehrlichia spp. were detected in rodents and their associated ectoparasites. The same O. tsutsugamushi genotypes were shared among UFI patients, rodents, and chiggers in a single district indicating that the chiggers found on rodents were also likely responsible for transmitting to people.

Serological testing using immunofluorescence assays in UFI samples showed high prevalence (IgM/IgG) of Rickettsia and Orientia pathogens, most notably among samples collected during September-November. Additionally, a higher number of seropositive samples belonged to patients in the working age population (20-60 years old). The results presented in this study demonstrate that the increased risk of human infection or exposure to chiggers and their associated pathogen (O. tsutsugamushi) resulted in part from two important factors; working age group and seasons for rice cultivation and harvesting. Evidence of pathogen exposure was shown to occur as there was seropositivity (IgG) in UFI patients for bartonellosis as well as for anaplasmosis.

Using a metagenomic approach, this study demonstrated the circulation and transmission of several pathogens in the environment, some of which are known causative agents of illness in human populations.

 

Category:

Anaplasmosis, Bartonella, research, Rickettsia, Testing, Ticks

Controversy to Consensus: Taking A Stand 4 Lyme

https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/476738556/controversy-to-consensus-taking-a-stand-4-lyme

Controversy to Consensus: Taking A Stand 4 Lyme

Stand4Lyme Foundation’s educational Lyme video is catching the attention of those who need to listen

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, USA, March 19, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — Controversy to Consensus: Taking A Stand 4 Lyme

Stand4Lyme’s video is catching the attention of those who need to listen

Stand4Lyme® Foundation’s video, Taking A Stand 4 Lyme, is making a positive impact demonstrating the first high-level, multidisciplinary consensus regarding the serious nature of tick-borne diseases. Facts stated by over 10 heads of departments at a major institution have caught the attention of those who need to listen. Controversy has stagnated federal funding for tick-borne disease research for decades. This educational video is being distributed to senators and congressman. The goal of this video is to help educate all stakeholders from a scientific perspective and garner increased government support and funding. 

In Stand4Lyme Foundation’s credible and critically needed video, scientists tackle the Lyme disease epidemic. Experts address the serious consequences of Lyme and tick-borne diseases, an increasing source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Stand4Lyme makes a clear business case for pharmaceutical support and federal research funding to develop reliable diagnostic tools and accessible, effective medical treatment.

In a time when Lyme disease is fraught with controversy and basic assumptions about Lyme and tick-borne disease are being called into question, we need robust studies that utilize technological advances for highly sensitive and comprehensive characterization of the host-pathogen interaction now more than ever, as tick-borne diseases are increasing at an alarming rate global, as well as the number of patients who remain ill after treatment.

Feedback received on the Taking A Stand 4 Lyme video has been extremely positive from senators, scientists, physicians, and patients, as well as media.

1. Senators responded with appreciation. Many thanked Stand4Lyme for creating and sharing the important information in the video, Taking A Stand 4 Lyme.

2. Scientists love it. The Stand4Lyme video demonstrated the first high-level, multidisciplinary consensus regarding the serious nature of tick-borne diseases. We hope this resonates with the folks at the NIH.

3. Physicians have requested, and been granted permission, to put the Stand4Lyme video on their websites. Many stated that they learned something from the video,

4. Patients feel validated and hopeful. The video has helped family members increase understanding and compassion around Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, as well as, clearing up misconceptions.

5. A leading internet entertainment service has expressed interest in making a tick-borne disease documentary inspired by the Taking A Stand 4 Lyme video.

Please share this critically needed, educational video: Taking A Stand 4 Lyme
Learn more at: Stand4Lyme.org.

Consensus is the path to change
Why isn’t there more government support for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, largely because of a lack of consensus among Lyme and other tick-borne disease epidemiology and advocacy groups, therefore, discrepancies get tabled in Congress. Stand4Lyme encourages collaboration among all stakeholders, diligently advocating for a global Lyme and tick-borne disease perspective and consensus. “To change the current trajectory, we must build a consensus to receive the adequate research funding support needed to resolve the public health epidemic of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and to develop solutions for the millions of Lyme patients that remain debilitated,” says Sherry Cagan, Stand4Lyme Foundation president and founder.

About Lyme disease
The Lyme disease bacterium, Borelli burgdorferi, is a spirochete similar to syphilis. Lyme disease is the fastest-growing infectious disease in the United States and the most common vector-borne disease worldwide, now prevalent in all 50 states and over 80 countries. According to the CDC, there are over 300,000 new cases each year, yet Lyme research remains significantly underfunded. Currently, there is no known cure and diagnostic tests are unreliable, subjecting patients to suffering, loss of physical and cognitive function, and occasionally death. A tick can transmit multiple bacterium in one bite, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Lyme patients are often misdiagnosed as having other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ALS, autism, and Alzheimer’s.

About Stand4Lyme Foundation
Stand4Lyme® Foundation joins forces with scientists to pave a medical path to wellness for Lyme disease patients, with the goal of ending the prolonged suffering of millions. With a strategic mission, the Stand4Lyme Fund, established at the Stanford School of Medicine, helps support the Stanford Lyme Disease Working Group and their collaborators’ research. Stand4Lyme is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Lyme disease by actively facilitating promising studies of key collaborators with resources to transform the currently underfunded Lyme paradigm. Stand4Lyme is a Silicon Valley–based 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is volunteer led. Tax ID: 47-5095146; Stand4Lyme.org .

Sherry Cagan President/Founder
Stand4Lyme Foundation
…..
email us here

Taking A Stand 4 Lyme: Scientist Tackle the Lyme Epidemic

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**Comment**

If you haven’t seen this video, you need to.  This is probably one of the best videos I’ve seen.  Please share this with others.  There is some great work being done.  Don’t give up hope!

It’s also located in the Video section in this website.  The tab for this is at the top of the website under “Videos.”  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/videos/ along with other helpful videos on everything from patient testimony, pathology findings, and advocacy endeavors.

If you know of others that are worth sharing, please forward to me.

 

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research