It’s a battle that has been raging for decades – the battle against Lyme Disease. Over the years, progress has been made against this dreaded tick-borne illness. But with breakthroughs come even more barriers. Watch this early peek at a new Fox 5 News special on the fight that could be signaling a new chapter in the ongoing bout against Lyme.
Interview with Lyme advocate Pat Smith on the Lyme vaccine. For more: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/07/22/why-we-care-so-strongly-about-a-potential-lyme-vaccine/
MEET THE RESEARCHER IS A BLOG SERIES TO INTRODUCE GLA-FUNDED LYME DISEASE RESEARCHERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST LYME DISEASE.
#MEETTHERESEARCHER
NAME: Ying Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
TITLE: Professor at Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
INSTITUTION: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Dr. Zhang’s research interests are focused on antibiotic resistance, bacterial persistence, and development of more effective treatments for a wide variety of persistent bacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB). His group has identified persistence mechanisms in important bacterial pathogens including M. tuberculosis, E. coli, S. aureus, and Borrelia.In addition, his group identified genes and pathways important for L-form bacteria formation. Recently he has been working on the challenging problem of persistent Lyme disease. Dr. Zhang’s group has identified a variety of FDA-approved drugs as well as some essential oils that are more effective in killing Borrelia burgdorferi persisters in vitro than the current Lyme antibiotics. Thanks in part to a GLA-funded grant, and in collaboration with colleagues, his group is evaluating promising drug candidates, including drug combinations and active essential oils in animal models for more effective treatment of Lyme disease and its co-infections.
Drs Janakiram Seshu and Ying Zhang at GLA Lyme Disease Research Symposium 2017
GLA: What motivated you to focus on Lyme and tick-borne disease research?
YZ: In 2009, we published a paper on the molecular basis of E. coli L-forms (a type of persister bacteria), when I got a call from GLA’s Chairman Rob Kobre asking me for help with persistent Lyme disease. Rob asked me if I would be interested in studying Borrelia L-forms as persisters that may be related to persistent Lyme disease. I said yes, and the rest is history.
As I learned more about the great suffering caused by chronic Lyme disease, also known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), that so far has no cure, I became more attracted to the mysterious features of the spirochete bacteria and its ability to cause persistent infections. It is an important aspect of the scientific challenge that has eluded us so far. Seeing so many people suffering from such a horrible disease has motivated me to find a more effective cure for chronic Lyme.
GLA: What discovery has been most gratifying?
GLA Board Member Norma Russo with Dr. Zhang at GLA Lyme Disease Research Symposium 2017
YZ: The most gratifying discovery is the identification of Borrelia persister drugs and mechanisms and the persister drug combination approach that more effectively eradicates Borrelia persisters in vitro. We are currently testing different drug combinations in vitro as well as in vivo in animal models. Moreover, we found some essential oils such as oregano, cinnamon bark, and clove bud, and garlic to be highly active against Borrelia persisters and especially against biofilm forms. The active essential oils are very interesting as they are natural products. However, in vivo testing including the dosing schedule, PK, and toxicity and efficacy in killing Borrelia in animal models will have to be done properly before subsequent human studies. I understand some patients are very sick and are desperate to try these on an anecdotal basis. Nevertheless, proper clinical trials will have to be conducted. In addition, we are working on a project that evaluates Borrelia persister antigens for improved diagnosis of Lyme disease, and preliminary results look encouraging.
GLA: Are you confident we’ll find a cure?
YZ: First, “cure” is a relative term. Because of the heterogeneity and complexity of PTLDS, it is challenging to develop a regimen that will be effective for all such patients. However, based on encouraging in vitro data and the persister drug PZA principle as exemplified in TB treatment, more effective drug combinations for persistent Lyme disease will be developed. This means that at least some segments of persistent Lyme patients can be cured more consistently. However, funding for evaluating drug regimens and for new clinical trials is critically needed. In addition to persister drug regimens, host directed therapy (HDT) improving host immune function will also be important for a more effective cure. We are at a critical juncture and are encouraged by recent interest from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Lyme disease. So I would say to chronic Lyme sufferers, do not give up! There is hope.
GLA-funded research grants with Dr. ZHANG include:
“High Activity of Selective Essential Oils Against Borrelia persisters” (2017-18)
“Persister Antibodies in PTLDS Patients?” (2016-17)
“Optimal Drug Combinations Targeting Bb Persisters for Improved Treatment of Lyme Disease” (2015-16)
“Targeting Dormant Bb Persisters for Improved Treatment of Chronic and Persistent Lyme” (2013-14)
“Identified Borrelia burgdorferi L-form specific Proteins (ie: Persisters) for Development of New Diagnostics, Vaccines and Also Drugs Targeting L-Form Borrelia” (2011-12)
Persister Mechanisms in Borrelia burgdorferi: Implications for Improved Intervention. Emerging Microbes & Infections Jie Feng, Wanliang Shi, Shuo Zhang, Zhang Y (2015)., 4, e51; doi:10.1038/emi.2015.51 https://www.nature.com/articles/emi201551
Eradication of Biofilm-like Microcolony Structures of Borrelia burgdorferi by Daunomycin and Daptomycin but not Mitomycin C in Combination with Doxycycline and Cefuroxime Jie Feng, Megan Weitner, Wanliang Shi, Shuo Zhang, and Zhang Y (2016).. Frontiers in Microbiology, doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00062. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00062/full
A drug combination screen with FDA-library drugs identifies agents active against amoxicillin-induced round bodies of Borrelia burgdorferi persisters Jie Feng, Wanliang Shi, Shuo Zhang, David Sullivan, Paul G. Auwaerter, Zhang Y (2016. Frontiers in Microbiology, 23 May 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00743
Ceftriaxone Pulse Dosing Fails to Eradicate Biofilm-like Microcolony B. burgdorferi Persisters Which Are Sterilized by Daptomycin/Doxycycline/Cefuroxime without Pulse Dosing Jie Feng, Shuo Zhang, Wanliang Shi, and Zhang Y (2016).. Frontiers in Microbiology, 04 November 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01744
Selective Essential Oils from Spice or Culinary Herbs Have High Activity against Stationary Phase and Biofilm Borrelia burgdorferi Jie Feng, Shuo Zhang, Wanliang Shi, Nevena Zubcevik, Judith Miklossy, and Ying Zhang (2017).. Front. Med., 11 October 2017 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2017.00169
Click here to see GLA’s Research Report, detailing GLA’s research accomplishments
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**Comment**
This article is a perfect example of research that is far more critically needed than climate data. https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/08/13/study-shows-lyme-not-propelled-by-climate-change/ Climate information WILL NOT help patients in any real, tangible way. We need accurate testing, effective treatments, and help paying for it. Anything else is just more data without any real benefit.
Grant will support development of advanced molecular diagnostics for confirmation of Bartonella spp. infection in endocarditis patients
RTP, N.C.- Galaxy Diagnostics, an infectious disease diagnostics company specializing in flea and tick-borne disease testing, is pleased to announce the award of Phase I grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Small Business Innovation Research Program. This grant funding will support development of advanced molecular diagnostics for confirmation of Bartonella spp. infection in patients with endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart valves and chambers). This marks the second federal grant ever awarded for non-HIV research on Bartonella spp, including B henselae, the key agent causing cat scratch disease.
“We are thrilled to receive this funding from the NIH/NHLBI to support the development of better molecular diagnostics for Bartonella research and clinical use,” said Amanda Elam, President/CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics. “These bacteria were only recently discovered and have been recognized as one of the most important genuses of bacteria in emerging infectious disease today. Better diagnostic tests will allow clinicians and researchers to clarify the clinical importance of these pathogens for diseases affecting the joints, heart, eyes, and nervous system in people with healthy immune systems.” The current diagnostic challenge with this emerging pathogen is that recommended testing is not sensitive enough, often leading to false negatives. Jen Miller, Director of Research and Development at Galaxy Diagnostics, stated that, “Development of this rapid, highly sensitive and specific bartonellosis clinical diagnostic tool will result in an actionable, cost-effective assay for physicians.”
Launched in 2009 to commercialize advanced test methods to support diagnosis of Bartonellosis in animals and people, Galaxy Diagnostics is a spin out from North Carolina State University. The company is currently focused on developing more sensitive diagnostics for a range of flea and tick borne diseases, including Bartonellosis, Lyme Borreliosis (LB), Babesiosis, Rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Better diagnostic tests for flea- and tick-borne diseases will support more accurate diagnosis and better stewardship of antibiotics in the treatment of animals and people.
About Galaxy Diagnostics Inc.
As a social venture and a One Health company, Galaxy Diagnostics is passionate about protecting the animal-human bond through the surveillance, prevention and clinical management of flea- and tick-borne diseases shared by humans and animals. Not only do we offer the best molecular and serology test options available, but we work with researchers and clinicians to generate new knowledge about emerging infectious diseases such as bartonellosis, borreliosis and other vector-borne diseases. Based on our scientific expertise, we are able to provide counsel to clinicians and researchers dedicated to achieving the most accurate diagnosis possible for their patients. This central goal is reflected in our corporate values and everyday interaction with patients, clinicians and researchers.
In August 2018, an Illinois boy died of complications from Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a disease that causes inflammation of the central nervous system. ADEM may be preceded by a viral or bacterial infection but can also occur after a vaccination with symptoms ranging from confusion, drowsiness or coma, unsteadiness, vision issues, trouble swallowing or weakness of arms and legs. https://thevaccinereaction.org/2018/09/iowa-teen-dies-of-adem-three-weeks-after-hpv-vaccination/
ADEM is a reported side effect of Gardasil and is listed on the package insert.
https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/02/sacrificial-virgins-hpv-vaccine/ Rob Verkerk, PhD, explains how there is no good current informed consent information being given regarding the HPV vaccine, that many medical practitioners are NOT reporting adverse events, and the importance of having accurate information in order to be able to make an informed consent. In the UK, if a child is 12, they are deemed Gillick competent and can be vaccinated against the will of their parents.
https://sanevax.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Allegations-of-Scientific-Misconduct-by-GACVS.pdf You may recognize the name Dr. Sin Hang Lee because he’s accused the CDC of violation of the antitrust law in suppressing a direct testing method for Lyme Disease. This link shows a paper he wrote outlining GACVS/WHO/CDC misconduct regarding the HPV vaccine, followed by a video with an interview with him explaining the potential consequences of non-b conformation foreign DNA combined with aluminum salts discovered in Gardasil. Due to the unknown toxicity of this new chemical compound, he recommends that governments around the world apply the precautionary principle and halt HPV vaccination programs until research is done to determine how toxic this new chemical compound is.
http:// Approx. 14 Min (Go to settings for English subtitles)
vials-health-summit-slides-james-lyonsweiler-magic While the CDC continues to state vaccines don’t cause Autism, go to slide 5 to see the lack of studies and the fact numerous ones DO show an association.
Lyme borreliosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia that are transmitted by a bite from a tick of the genus Ixodes. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur used mice to study the transmission of bacteria by ticks infected with various European and North American species of Borrelia. They found evidence of rapid bacterial transmission following a bite, with infection occurring within 24 hours of an adult tick bite and sometimes even sooner for nymph bites. This is a timely reminder of the importance of removing ticks as soon as possible after being bitten to prevent infection. Study found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01722/full
Ixodes ricinus Public domain image/WHO via CDC
Lyme borreliosis is the most common vector-borne disease in Europe. It is caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. This complex includes several species that are pathogenic for humans: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. bavariensis, B. spielmanii, B. valaisiana and B. lusitaniae. The bacteria are transmitted through a bite from a hard tick of the genus Ixodes – in Europe, primarily Ixodes ricinus. Ticks can infect a wide variety of hosts. Humans are considered to be an accidental host; transmission can occur if they come into contact with an environment favorable to ticks.
Ticks have three lifecycle stages that can bite humans – larva, nymph and adult -, but bacteria are usually transmitted through bites from nymphs, which are higher in density and often go unnoticed because of their small size.
The amount of time a tick must remain attached to transmit bacteria to the vertebrate host is an essential parameter in assessing the risk of transmission and identifying measures to prevent infection. It is generally accepted that the longer a tick remains attached, the higher the risk of transmission. In Europe, it is regularly stated that there is a real risk of transmission only after 24 hours of attachment.
In this study, we used a mouse model to determine the kinetics of infection by Ixodes ricinus ticks (nymphs and adult females) infected with various European and North American strains or species of Borrelia. We also compared the dissemination of various strains and species of Borrelia by different modes of inoculation (via infected ticks or by injection of bacteria).
Unlike the American strains, all the European species of B. burgdorferi that we studied were detected in the salivary glands of adult ticks before a blood meal,suggesting the possibility of rapid transmission of the bacteria following a bite.
The results were consistent with this theory: infection occurred within 24 hours of a bite from an adult tick. Moreover, our analysis shows that nymphs infected by European species of B. burgdorferi are capable of transmitting these pathogens within 12 hours of attachment.
Our study proves that B. burgdorferi can be transmitted more quickly than stated in the literature.
It is therefore vital to remove ticks as soon as possible after being bitten to prevent infection.
Furthermore, the study shows that the tropism of Borrelia varies depending on the strain and species studied,which explains the variety of clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis. We also demonstrate a difference in the tropism of Borrelia following a tick bite, confirming the role of tick saliva in the efficacy of infection and dissemination in vertebrate hosts.
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**Comment**
It’s finally here. The long awaited for information that we ALL know out here in Lyme-land.
People are getting infected way before the oft repeated 24-72 hours of tick bite.
First, it’s important to remember that ALL transmission studies are on mice in a lab, therefore, it doesn’t necessarily mean the information translates to humans.
Second, it’s important to remember that the oft repeated 24-72 hour transmission mantra essentially comes from ONE mouse study that has an inch of dust on it: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/04/14/transmission-time-for-lymemsids-infection/ Even it says animal studies have proven that transmission can occur in under 16 hours and it occurs frequently in under 24 hours. No human studies have been done and no studies have determined the minimum time it takes for transmission.
So instead of asking “how little” time it takes, researchers have always asked“how long” it takes. Big difference.
In this instance, a little girl within 4-6 hours couldn’t walk or talk after a tick bite: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/igenex-presentation/? If she wasn’t taken directly to Dr. Jones over the weekend, things could have turned out horribly. Mainstream medicine wanted her to wait until Monday for a NEURO – CONSULT despite her rapid decline. These people STILL do not get it.
Third, this study points out differences in strains of borrelia (there are 300 and counting in the world and 100 and counting in the U.S.). In the past, doctors have smugly looked at maps delineating where specific ticks are, and assuming only specific geographical borrelia strains will be present; however, birds are migrating everywhere and bringing ticks with them: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/08/13/study-shows-lyme-not-propelled-by-climate-change/
And fourth and lastly, this study points out a real and present danger – borrelia in the salivary glands of ticks. This is spoken about in quiet corners but most “experts” want to tout a “grace period,” regarding tick transmission and use all sorts of long words to buttress their case. If it wasn’t so serious it would be funny.
If there’s one thing I know it’s that ticks do not know the meaning of grace.
