Archive for the ‘Ticks’ Category

Heading to Finland to Find Ways to Accurately Diagnose Tick-Borne Diseases

https://www.lookingatlyme.ca/2020/10/s1-e14-heading-to-finland-to-find-ways-to-accurately-diagnose-tick-borne-diseases/

Heading to Finland to find ways to accurately diagnose tick-borne diseases

EPISODES / BY

In this episode Sarah talks with Canadian researcher Dr.Leona Gilbert, originally from Thunder Bay, and currently living in Finland. Dr. Gilbert tells us about an interaction with a patient that led her to focus on testing for Lyme disease. She points to research showing that patients who suffer from long term effects of Lyme disease often test positive for multiple microbes. 

Tickplex is a diagnostic kit that tests for six different forms of borrelia, ten other forms of microbes as well as antibodies which correlate to three different disease stages – all in one test! Dr. Gilbert explains the benefit to this method (also known as polymicrobial theory) over testing for one microbe with one antibody at a time. She points out that many long time sufferers of Lyme disease and co-infections are unable to build an adequate immune response to these microbes, but with treatment their immune system starts to respond and is then able to create antibodies. Research is also showing that outcomes are much better for those patients who are diagnosed early, tested for multiple microbes and then treated. She also talks about how multiplex testing is identifying patients who are “shining up” due to a hyperactive immune system.

“We need to let the science drive us and let the needs of the patient also influence where we’re going with the science as well.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Dr. Gilbert explains that polymicrobial theory, although accepted in other disease models, will take time to be accepted in relation to Lyme disease and points out the importance of creating individual treatment protocols based on multiple microbe testing as well. She strongly believes that both the science and the needs of the patient should drive researchers and points out that her group collaborates with patient groups, advocacy groups, scientific groups, as well as national and international organizations. 

Dr. Gilbert explains for us the difference between co-infections and opportunistic infections and touches on the role of decreased immune function and opportunistic infections in Lyme patients.

Find out more about our forthcoming educator resource!

Did you know that Lyme bacteria can persist even after treatment? Dr. Gilbert outlines research done not only in the lab, but also in animals and in humans that proves that persister forms of Borrelia exist despite antibiotic treatments. She discusses some of the theories behind how borrelia is able to evade treatment, including within biofilms, by transforming into round body forms and by moving into certain places in the body. Dr. Gilbert talks about other research that’s happening to better understand these persister forms. She explains how we can access the Tickplex test from overseas.

“People that have been sick for a very long time, even five to ten years, that they actually can’t even build up an immune response to actually resolve these microbes.”

Dr. Leona Gilbert

Sarah Cormode and Dr. Leona Gilbert talk tick-borne illness and diagnosis.

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e19ec32c-499b-4cbf-9f63-62471b78ceac  (Listen Here)

______________________

**Comment**

Gilbert was part of the group that found a high probability of patients being infected with multiple pathogens.

For more:

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/10/30/study-shows-lyme-msids-patients-infected-with-many-pathogens-and-explains-why-we-are-so-sick/

Excerpt:

For the first time, Garg et al. show a 85% probability for multiple infections including not only tick-borne pathogens but also opportunistic microbes such as EBV and other viruses.

Additionally, 83% of all TBD diagnostic tests performed by the commercial laboratories in the USA accounted for only LD. Globally, the commercial laboratories’ ability to diagnose LD has increased by merely 4% (weighted mean for ELISA sensitivity 62.3%) in the last 20 years. This study provides evidence regarding polymicrobial infections in patients suffering from different stages of TBDs. Literature analyses and results from this study followed Hill’s criteria indicating a causal association between TBD patients and polymicrobial infections. Also, the study outcomes indicate that patients may not adhere to traditional IgM and IgG responses.

This is groundbreaking information that doesn’t get any recognition.

Category:

Lyme, research, Testing, Ticks

Managing Risk of Ticks

https://www.lookingatlyme.ca/2020/10/managing-risk-in-the-outdoors-with-steve-smith/

S1 E15: Managing risk in the outdoors, with Steve Smith

EPISODES / BY
looking-at-lyme-s1-e15-v1.0
Listen to Podcast:  https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/7662b08f-4966-458a-bc65-0d9d7c7413de/15-lal-steve-smith.mp3

In this podcast, Sarah speaks with Steve Smith, an expert in outdoor risk management. Steve has worked for many years teaching, leading, planning, and consulting about ways to manage risk in the outdoors. Steve recently presented at the 2020 NOLS Wilderness Risk Management Conference.

Steve begins by explaining the difference between safety and risk management, and why this distinction is necessary when it comes to taking people into the wilderness. Every day we take risks and some degree of risk is not only unavoidable, it’s a necessary part of being human. Sarah and Steve discuss many of the benefits of how outdoor education and recreation translate to life skills, personal and social growth. Steve speaks about the history of Outward Bound and founder Kurt Hahn who taught about the importance of educating the whole student and encouraging them to explore beyond their comfort zones. It is an important component of developing and managing outdoor education programs, looking at the beneficial risks and identifying and mitigating the undesirable risks.

Sarah raises the topic of duty of care when taking care of young people in the outdoors. Steve points out that a robust risk management program is even more important when working with children. He points out that because Lyme disease is a very serious illness, accurate risk assessment and robust risk management strategies are needed. An important part of these strategies include having a plan in place to respond when events do happen.

Find out more about our forthcoming educator resource!

Steve sees risk management programs in terms of layers which start long before the adventure begins. He describes a risk management model introduced to thim by one of his mentors, Charles Reb Gregg, called “analyze – manage – inform”. This model involves analyzing hazards, managing them and informing people about potential hazards. He touches on the importance of informing participants in advance to avoid legal action. He describes some ways to analyze risk in relation to Lyme disease such as knowing the local tick activity. Managing the risk could include wearing bug repellant, avoiding tick habitats, and doing tick checks. Another important aspect of the strategy is knowing what to do if a participant finds an embedded tick, and knowing the symptoms of Lyme disease. Steve reiterates the importance of informing participants and/or parents about the risks involved.

It’s not about eliminating the risk altogether, it’s about managing that risk.
Steve Smith, Experiential Consulting, LLC

Steve explores some of the legal aspects involved when planning outdoor activities, and refers to a lawsuit relating to tick-borne encephalitis. He talks about the importance of hiring qualified staff, providing adequate and ongoing training, having written policies and procedures, and reporting and learning from incidents when they do occur. He emphasizes the value of reporting and analyzing “near misses” in order to learn from them and prevent similar incidents. Similarly, Steve finds that reflecting back on a trip with those who are running it is a great way to learn and make improvements for future programs.

Emphasizing the overwhelmingly positive aspects of outdoor education, Steve reminds us of how a solid risk management strategy (and corresponding policies and procedures) enable these programs to continue. He urges us to keep learning from our adventures and highly  recommends the NOLS Wilderness Risk Management Conference for those running outdoor programs. Thank you Steve for sharing and helping us manage risk in the outdoors!

______________________

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

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/07/18/frequent-prescribed-fires-can-reduce-risk-of-tick-borne-diseases/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/27/study-conforms-permethrin-causes-ticks-to-drop-off-clothing/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/05/31/fry-and-die/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/05/08/upstate-ny-disease-expert-prevention-really-works-do-it/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/08/11/nootkatone-registered-by-epa-insect-repellent-products-could-be-available-by-2022/

Category:

Lyme, Prevention, Ticks

What is Lyme Disease?

https://danielcameronmd.com/what-is-lyme-disease-infection/

WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?

what is lyme disease

Despite the growing number of Lyme disease cases in the United States, many individuals still receive conflicting information and wonder: What is Lyme disease, how do you get it, what is the best treatment, and can it be cured?

By

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), a spiral-shaped organism. The bacterium can be transmitted to a person through the bite of an infected Ixodes scapularis tick (a.k.a., the deer tick or black-legged tick).

Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria is a type of spirochete that can penetrate virtually any organ or system in the body, including the brain and central nervous system, joints, muscles, and heart. This is why Lyme disease is often considered the “Great Imitator,” as it can cause symptoms that mimic many different disorders. Patients with Lyme disease may initially be misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psychiatric disorders, among others.

Ticks infected with Lyme disease

A growing percentage of deer ticks are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, along with other pathogens that can cause various diseases or co-infections. A study in Long Island, NY found that more than half (60%) of the deer ticks were infected with the Lyme disease bacteria, while dual infections were found in 19% of the ticks. ¹

Not all tick bites will lead to Lyme disease. But the longer an infected tick is attached the greater the chances are that it will transmit the disease or another tick-borne infection to an individual. Many reports indicate that a tick must be attached for at least 24 hours for it to transmit the bacteria. But this is debatable.

It’s important to not rely on tick attachment time to determine your risk of getting Lyme disease. Other tick-borne diseases, such as the Powassan virus, can be transmitted within 15 minutes of tick attachment.² Additionally, the transmission time may be shorter if a person is bitten by a partially fed tick. ³

“There is no definitive window of time following a tick bite which we can quote to assure the public they are safe from acquiring the Borrelia spirochete.” ³ In referring to Lyme disease, the authors write, “transmission can occur in less than 16 hours, and the minimum attachment time for transmission of infection has never been established.” ³

Bacteria hides in tissue

The spirochete can be transmitted when the tick feeds on the blood of its host (person or animal). As it ingests blood, it also releases Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria into the bloodstream. The spirochete disseminates fairly rapidly throughout the body until they burrow into soft tissues and organs.

Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete can lie deep in the tissue and remain undetected by tests, yet still cause debilitating symptoms.

Who is most at risk?

Lyme disease is estimated to impact at least 300,000 people annually in the United States. Older individuals and children are the most at-risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adults, ages 45 to 54 years and children, 5 to 14 years old reportedly have the highest infection rates.

Anyone can get Lyme disease, however. No one is immune. Even if a person has had Lyme disease, they can get the disease again following a new infection or tick bite.

People who spend time outdoors (hiking, gardening, camping, working) are particularly vulnerable since they are exposed to ticks. Interestingly, one study found that ticks prefer feeding on individuals with Type A blood.[4] But more research is needed in this area.

The majority of cases occur in the Northeast, and Upper Midwest, according to the CDC. But Lyme disease cases have been reported in all 50 states and the disease appears to be spreading to other regions of the country, as global warming enables ticks to migrate to new territories.

When was Lyme disease discovered?

Lyme disease appears to have been around since the Ice Age. Researchers came to this conclusion after discovering and examining the tissue of a 5,300-year-old male who had been frozen in a glacier pool in the Italian Alps. The frozen mummy (dubbed the Iceman or Otzi) appears to have had the oldest known case of Lyme disease, according to genetic analysis.

But scientists first identified Lyme disease in 1977 in a group of children and adolescents living in Lyme, Connecticut. The children suffered from recurrent attacks of asymmetric swelling and pain in several large joints, particularly in the knee. They were initially diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Several years later in 1982, Dr. Willy Burgdorfer discovered the presence of spirochetes (later named Borrelia burgdorferi) in ticks from the endemic region and determined this to be the causative agent behind Lyme disease.

References:
  1. Sanchez-Vicente S, Tagliafierro T, Coleman JL, Benach JL, Tokarz R. Polymicrobial Nature of Tick-Borne Diseases. MBio. 2019 Sep 10;10(5). https://mbio.asm.org/content/10/5/e02055-19
  2. Eisen L. Pathogen transmission in relation to duration of attachment by Ixodes scapularis ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29398603/
  3. Shih CM, Telford SR, 3rd, Pollack RJ, Spielman A. Rapid dissemination by the agent of Lyme disease in hosts that permit fulminating infection. Infect Immun, 61(6), 2396-2399 (1993). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278789/
  4. Zakovska A, Janecek J, Nejezchlebova H, Kucerova HL. Pilot study of Ixodes ricinus ticks preference for human ABO blood groups using a simple in vitro method. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2018;25(2):326-328. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29936803/

___________________

**Comment**

Great introductory article to Lyme disease, however, the bit about ‘climate change’ causing ticks to spread is untrue as ticks are impervious to weather:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/11/07/ticks-on-the-move-due-to-migrating-birds-and-photoperiod-not-climate-change/

“For blacklegged ticks, climate change is an apocryphal issue.” -John Scott (independent tick researcher)

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/06/17/ontario-public-health-officials-called-out-on-shoddy-biased-research-utilizing-an-erroneous-climate-change-model-to-program-a-futuristic-tick-problem/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/11/17/uw-madison-phd-in-ecological-climatology-climate-change-computer-models-fudged-except-russian-model/

And while the article didn’t mention it, ticks are most probably not the only means of obtaining Lyme disease.  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/02/06/lyme-in-the-southern-hemisphere-sexual-transmission/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/07/21/can-i-catch-lyme-disease-without-a-tick-bite-3-alternative-ways-of-transmission/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/05/24/microbiology-professor-im-convinced-lyme-disease-is-transmittable-from-person-to-person/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/25/why-should-we-care-about-lyme-disease-a-colorful-tale-of-government-conflicts-of-interest-probable-bioweaponization-and-pathogen-complexity/  Other insects carry the Lyme organism and many patients have reported illness after a mosquito, deer fly, or from other blood-sucking bugs.

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/02/13/lyme-disease-treatment/

Category:

Lyme, Ticks

Detection of Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria From Castor Bean Ticks Carried By Italian Pets

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33024565/

Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria from Ixodes ricinus carried by pets in Tuscany, Italy

Valentina Chisu 1, Cipriano Foxi 1, Gabriella Masu 1, Barbara D’ Amaddio 2, Giovanna Masala 1
Affiliations expand

Free PMC article

Abstract

Background: Ticks are vectors of disease-causing pathogens that pose a serious threat to animals and people. Dogs and cats are exposed to tick infestation in multiple ways and can easily transport infected ticks into domestic environments and potentially transfer them to people. Pet owners are at increased risk of picking up ticks from their pets and developing tickborne diseases. This study aims to detect the presence of pathogens of potential public health interest in ticks removed from cats and dogs in Tuscany, Italy.

Methods: The collected ticks were screened for the presence of protozoan (Theileria species and Babesia species) and bacterial (Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Chlamydia species, Bartonella species and Coxiella burnetii) pathogens using PCR.

Results: PCR and sequencing analysis revealed that

  • 3% of the ticks were PCR-positive for the presence of Rickettsia helvetica DNA
  • 5 %of ticks were PCR-positive for Bartonella henselae DNA
  • 46% of ticks were PCR-positive for Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus DNA
  • None of the examined ticks was PCR-positive for Theileria species, Babesia species, Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia canis or Coxiella burnetii DNA

Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study highlight the importance of monitoring companion animals as indicators to evaluate the health status of their owners. Preventive measures are necessary to limit the spread of zoonotic pathogens from companion animals to people within the home environment.

____________________

**Comment**

Ixodes ricinus, aka the castor bean tick is considered a  European species of tick that can transmit the following:

Now, there is the potential of two strains of Chlamydia to be added the growing list, with nearly half of the ticks in the study carrying it.

What does this mean to patients?  Good question.  We may never know because researchers are too busy studying ‘climate change,’ to have time for such silly endeavors as uncovering the effects of polymicrobial illness on patients.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of ticks carrying chlamydia:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/10/07/chlamydia-like-organisms-found-in-ticks/

Here, researchers identify chlamydia along with other pathogens in Alzheimer’s:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/09/researchers-identify-herpes-1-chlamydia-pneumoniae-several-types-of-spirochaete-as-major-causes-of-alzheimers/

CHLAMYDIA IS BEST DEFINED FROM THE LATIN WORD: CLOAK. YEP. ANOTHER STEALTH PATHOGEN.

Great read on the types of chlamydia:  https://articles.mercola.com/chlamydia/types.aspx The first two are mentioned in the abstract:

  • Chlamydia trachomatis can be passed from one person to another via unprotected sexual intercourse. Pain English: this is a STD.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), a nonsexually transmitted disease that infects the lungs and causes bacterial pneumonia.
  • Chlamydia psittaci is another chlamydia strain that can lead to a rare condition called psittacosis, aka “parrot fever.”

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/19/first-study-showing-borrelia-chlamydia-mixed-biofilms-in-infected-human-skin-tissues  Excerpt:

IN SUMMARY, OUR STUDY IS THE FIRST TO SHOW BORRELIA–CHLAMYDIA MIXED BIOFILMS IN INFECTED HUMAN SKIN TISSUES, WHICH RAISES THE QUESTIONS OF WHETHER THESE HUMAN PATHOGENS HAVE DEVELOPED A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP FOR THEIR MUTUAL SURVIVAL.

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/03/19/are-current-tick-prevention-methods-for-dogs-working/  Great resources within link for tick prevention methods

Category:

Bartonella, research, Rickettsia, Ticks

Senator Collins Announces $25 Million Initiative to Fight Lyme Disease

https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/senator-collins’-announces-25-million-initiative-fight-lyme-disease

Senator Collins Announces $25 Million Initiative to Fight Lyme Disease

Last year, Senator Collins authored a new law that provides $150 million over five years to fight tick-borne illnesses.
Press Releases
Posted Tue, 10/13/2020

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Health Committee, announced the launch of LymeX, a new $25 million effort to fight tick-borne diseases.  LymeX is the largest public-private partnership to combat Lyme disease in history and will provide awards to improve data about tick-borne diseases; raise awareness; and accelerate the discovery of diagnostic tools, testing, and implementation.  Senator Collins, the author of the Kay Hagan Tick Act that became law last year, received a call today from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan, who shared this positive development.

LymeX is being led by HHS and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and will be housed within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the coordinating agency developing the National Strategy to fight tick-borne diseases that was required by Senator Collins’ Tick Act.  LymeX augments the Tick Act law and reinforces the federal focus on this priority.

“This partnership is an exciting and promising development in our fight against tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease that affect hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.  As the largest public-private partnership to combat Lyme disease in history, this initiative builds on the bipartisan TICK Act I authored and demonstrates that the federal government is focused on eradicating this public health threat,” said Senator Collins.  “I remain committed to slowing the spread of these devastating diseases, and I will continue my efforts to protect Mainers’ health.”

Specifically, LymeX will advance tick-borne disease innovation by incentivizing the development of next-generation diagnostics through a series of multi-million-dollar grand prize challenges. The first LymeX diagnostics prize will launch in 2021. These prizes will be open to U.S. universities, non-profit organizations, private-sector companies, and domestic organizations to improve diagnostics at all stages of Lyme disease.

The initiative will also engage stakeholders to facilitate patient-centered innovations to address tick-borne diseases and increase education to raise awareness about risk and prevention.

The incidence of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases has exploded over the past 15 years.  In 2003, Lyme disease infected around 30,000 Americans.  The latest estimates show there are nearly half a million Americans suffering from Lyme.  In Maine, there were a record 2,167 newly reported cases of Lyme disease last year, nearly triple the number of cases in 2010.  Other tick-borne diseases are also on the rise – in Maine, for example, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis have increased several-fold in this same period.

LymeX will complement the three-pronged approach created by Senator Collins’ Tick Act law, which:

  1. Requires HHS to develop a National Strategy.  This will help expand research, improve testing and treatment, and coordinate common efforts across federal agencies including with DOD, USDA, EPA, the VA, and the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security
  2. Reauthorizes Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years at $10 million per year.  These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S.
  3. Authorizes CDC Grants at $20 million per year for State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness.  These awards will help states build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other tick and vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.

______________________

**Comment**

Involving the HHS will almost certainly doom this project.  We should learn from history.  The anti-patient bias is clear and has remained unchanged:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/02/11/anti-patient-bias-embedded-in-tickborne-disease-working-group-and-its-subcommittees/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/03/11/cdcs-recommendations-for-lyme-epitomize-institutional-bias/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/04/19/letter-to-chronic-lyme-denialists-from-a-microbiologist/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/05/11/persistent-lyme-a-sticking-point-for-tbd-working-group/

Excerpt:

Remarks made after the vote made it clear that the abstainers felt they had defeated the measure, because “yes” votes didn’t comprise a majority of panel members. But, oops, guess what? Abstentions don’t count one way or the other. So, the recommendation passed, 5-3.

As that reality sank in, pandemonium broke out. Panelist Scott Commins stoutly announced that he wanted to change his abstaining vote to “no.” He was told that Robert’s Rules of Order don’t allow you to change your vote after the fact.

Things then got very bizarre very fast, with many people talking at once. Some wanted to vote on the original question again. Others didn’t. Some wanted to re-open discussion, others didn’t. It was confusing to the listener at home.

However, the five abstainers sure gave the impression they had been trying to game the system—to gain a “no” vote without having to publicly own up to it. When that ploy didn’t work, they scrambled to recoup their original objective— to deep-six the proposal regarding persistent Lyme disease.

It is truly time for a CDC/NIH/IDSA/HHS walkout movement. Our public health ‘authorities’ have vested interests which interfere with doing what is right for patients. We’ve tried working with them for over 40 years.  How many times are you going to get behind a horse that kicks you?

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/01/it-is-time-to-reboot-public-health-time-for-a-cdc-niaid-fda-walk-away-movement/  Although Weiler is discussing how ‘authorities’ have handled COVID, the exact same things could be said about how they’ve handled Lyme/MSIDS. 

Public ‘authorities’ should not be allowed to own patents on things that interfere with their ability to make public health decisions.

For more: ConflictReport

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Testing, Ticks