Archive for the ‘Treatment’ Category

Boy Gets Powassan Encephalitis After Camping Trip

https://danielcameronmd.com/powassan-encephalitis-camping-trip/

Young boy develops Powassan encephalitis after camping trip

powassan-encephalitis

Although the Powassan virus is considered to be a rare tick-borne illness, the number of cases is rising, and at an alarming rate. A recent survey found, a 4-fold rise in the number of Powassan virus cases in the US from 2014 to 2023 (compared with 2004 to 2013). [3]

By 

This summer, a 9-year-old boy in Canada developed Powassan virus encephalitis, a life-threatening condition. In Pennsylvania, another young child was hospitalized with the virus. And, in April, an older man from Massachusetts was infected. Meanwhile, last year, a Maryland resident died from Powassan encephalitis after contracting it in Canada.

Powassan virus – transmitted in 15 minutes

The Powassan virus, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, can be deadly. And, most concerning, as cases are rising, the infection can be contracted within 15 minutes of a tick attachment.

The virus can cause fever, headache, vomiting, loss of coordination and memory and speech problems. It can also cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.)

However, it often does not present with any symptoms, according to the CDC.

POWV encephalitis can be deadly

From 2004 to 2022, the US reported 288 cases of Powassan virus infection. Of these cases, 72 (25%) occurred in children, 264 patients (92%) required hospitalization, and 36 patients (13%) died.1

Patients infected with the virus have a “10% risk of developing fatal encephalitis and up to 50% of infected patients have long-term neurologic damage.”2

Up to 50% of patients have long-term neurologic complications.

The prognosis for individuals with Powassan virus neuroinvasive disease is poor. The case fatality rate is 10%–15%, and survivors have about a 50% probability of persistent neurologic deficits, including headaches, altered mental status, and cognitive difficulties.1

There is no treatment for the Powassan virus.

Case Report: 9-year-old boy

In July, a 9-year-old boy, residing in Canada, was hospitalized with Powassan encephalitis, after returning from a camping trip in northern Ontario.

Blatman and colleagues describe the case in their article, “Powassan virus encephalitis in a 9-year-old.”1

The young boy was admitted to the hospital with a fever, neck stiffness and headache, which began 1 week after returning from his camping trip.

Initially, he was treated with ceftriaxone and vancomycin for suspected meningitis.

PCR testing of the CSF for viral causes of meningitis or encephalitis, however, was negative. Bacterial culture and Gram stain of the CSF sample was also negative. And, an MRI of the brain was unremarkable.

The patient had no known tick bites or rashes.

“Over the next 48 hours, blood cultures showed no growth,” the authors state. However, “The patient remained persistently febrile with ongoing severe headache.”

After 3 days in the hospital, the boy’s condition worsened and he was transferred to the ICU. At this point, he was nonverbal and nonresponsive to commands, according to the authors.

Testing for Lyme disease was negative.

“Tick-borne Powassan virus encephalitis is associated with high mortality and a risk of long-term neurologic sequelae in survivors.”

Repeat EEG showed generalized slowing of brain activity. Meanwhile, a repeat MRI of the patient’s brain and full spine showed subtle bilateral basal ganglia and substantia nigra.

However, CFS testing was negative for autoimmune encephalitis.

“Given concern for potential autoimmune encephalitis, the patient received intravenous immunoglobulin at a dosage of 1 g/ kg for 2 days, with notable improvement in his level of consciousness within 24–48 hour,” the authors state.

Within 2 months, the boy had made a complete recovery.

New research indicates that the Powassan virus may be more deadly in older patients. “… only minimal infectious doses of the virus were highly lethal in older mice and that lethality increased >10-fold with age,” states Mackow.2

“Increased awareness of Powassan virus among clinicians in Canada will likely lead to increased identification of Powassan virus and other arthropod-borne infections, which should always be reported,” the authors state.

Related Articles:4 cases of Powassan virus encephalitis
Powassan virus encephalitis contracted during winter months
Can Powassan virus cause encephalitis or other neurologic damage?
References:
  1. CMAJ 2024 August 26;196:E973-6. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.240227
  2. Megan C. Mladinich et al, Age-dependent Powassan virus lethality is linked to glial cell activation and divergent neuroinflammatory cytokine responses in a murine model, Journal of Virology (2024). DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00560-24
  3. Passive surveillance of Powassan virus in human-biting ticks and health outcomes of associated bite victims. Siegel, Eric et al. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, Volume 30, Issue 10, 1332 – 1334

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**Comment**

But like all things Lyme/MSIDS, Powassan can persist in humans as well as mice.

Powassan is NOT rare:

http://www.coppelabs.com/blog/why-is-powassan-virus-infection-still-described-as-rare-and-mysterious/  Excerpt:  

For the last two years, Coppe Laboratories has dedicated a significant amount of time and resources to dispelling the myth that infection with Powassan virus, a virus transmitted by tick bite, is rare. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reports only 100 cases of Powassan virus infection in the United States in the last 10 years. Indeed, that statistic gives the illusion that Powassan infection is rare. However, did you know that the only infections reported to CDC are those that are life-threatening, particularly cases causing severe inflammation of the brain like the case reported in LiveScience?

Coppe has published three new papers in the last year that clearly show Powassan virus infection is not rare are at all, and until testing for this virus is included as part of tick-borne disease screening panels infections will continue to be underreported. Coppe’s Powassan Guide, which can be downloaded from the website, summarizes the findings from both tick and human Powassan prevalence studies, as well as defining the patient populations that would benefit most from Powassan testing.

Coppe Labs, a specialized CLIA-certified lab, right in Waukesha, Wisconsin tests for Powassan, West Nile, Anaplasma, Babesia, Human Herpes Viruses 6 & 7, COVID, and Lyme disease.

Wisconsin is a hot-spot for Powassan.

For more:

Regarding IVIG, it has been used successfully in many Lyme/MSIDS patients including this young autistic boy infected with borrelia, babesia, and bartonella.  After a rough week of treatment suddenly this boy could remember things, he became happy, social, and agreeable with fewer tics.  Disulfiram also played a key role as well as targeting bartonella.  IVIG has also been used in PANS and PANDAS with some success.

Susannah Cahalan, who wrote the book Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, was given steroids, plasmapherisis, and IVIG for autoimmune encephalitis.

Dr. Frid uses IVIG for treating infections induced autoimmune encephalitis.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/01/panspandas-steroids-autoimmune-disease-lymemsids-the-need-for-medical-collaboration/   Boy’s Lyme Disease Morphs into Autoimmune encephalopathy. It took 10 years and 20 doctors to find out 12-year-old Patrik had Lyme disease. Just 4 months later the doctors discovered he also has a condition where his immune system attacks his brain.

Category:

research, Ticks, Transmission, Treatment, Viruses

Medicine Struggles to Define Chronic Lyme. Long Covid Has Only Made it Harder

https://www.statnews.com/2024/09/09/lyme-disease-long-covid-symptoms-diagnosis-research/

Medicine struggles to define chronic Lyme. Long Covid has only made it harder

By Isabella Cueto and Alina Sajani

Sept. 9, 2024

Going to the doctor is already tricky enough for people with chronic symptoms of Lyme disease. Their concerns often dismissed by mainstream medicine, those patients now face an additional hurdle: ruling out long Covid.

The two illnesses — one seeping in over the course of decades and another suddenly springing to life on a massive scale — share many qualities, including being widely misunderstood. But as efforts to demystify long Covid intensify, so does interest in studying neglected conditions, including persistent complications from Lyme disease.

Long Covid was a crash course in chronic conditions that start with infection. “As a result, Lyme patients are now met with more compassion and understanding than ever in the past. It is now harder for a physician to dismiss the possibility of a Lyme diagnosis out of hand than it was before the pandemic,” said Bernadette Clavier, facilitator of the Coalition for Infection-Associated Chronic Conditions and Illnesses Research.

New studies aim to tease apart the diseases’ differences and similarities in hopes of finding treatments for patients that have gone without vetted, tailored therapeutics, in some cases for decades. (See link for article)

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**Comment**

The article discusses the case of a Lyme advocate who had a mild case of COVID and only lost her sense of taste and smell, but who crashed two months later.  Joint pain and GI issues popped up seemingly out of nowhere.  She also got severe brain fog.

I’m sure this patient isn’t alone.

COVID did a number on both of us as well and we were very sick, numerous times.  The first time caused us to relapse with Bartonella.

But this patient is blaming COVID for it all.  I question the logic of this as there is no accurate test to prove it. One of the most common features of long-COVID syndrome is post-exertional malaise and research has shown the spike protein exhausts cardiomyocyte mitochondria.  Also, ‘Long COVID’ symptoms mirror those in other viral illnesses and with Lyme/MSIDS it is nearly impossible to discern what is causing what.  I can rattle off 10 things that cause joint pain, GI issues, and brain fog, including a bevy of bacterial and parasitic infections!

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and other institutions have a lost of potential new therapies they’d like to study – everything from inflammatory treatments to antibiotic combination therapies, brain stimulation, and magic mushrooms.

It is widely known that ALL vaccines prime illness by injecting foreign proteins and the COVID shots specifically cause T-cell exhaustion and masks are immunosuppressive.  These issues are side-stepped regarding ‘long covid.’ A top biologist states they are ‘bioweapons’ that can target entire populations by ‘triggering the immune system to stand down.’  This is the last thing a Lyme/MSIDS patient needs!

Italian scientists have issued a disturbing warning over a new neurological emergency surging in those who received the mRNA shots and others have shown they have caused excess death, organ damage, autoimmunity, and myocarditis and pericarditis, and urinary and bladder issues.  Then there’s the paper showing the spike protein induces a lethal cancer phenotype.

Seems to me ‘Long COVID’ is an easy scapegoat from much larger and damning issues.

Category:

Lyme, Treatment, vaccines, Viruses

Two Plants in Plaintain Family Show Antioxidant and Bb Inhibiting Properties

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/13/7112

Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata Exhibit Antioxidant and Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibiting Activities

by Pille-Riin Laanet, Olga Bragina, Piia Jõul and Merike Vahe*
Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7112; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137112
Submission received: 18 May 2024 / Revised: 15 June 2024 / Accepted: 20 June 2024 / Published: 28 June 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Phytochemicals: Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Molecular Insights)

Abstract

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection, is the most widespread vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, using targeted antibiotic therapy is often an ineffective cure. The antibiotic resistance and recurring symptoms of Lyme disease are associated with the formation of biofilm-like aggregates of B. burgdorferi. Plant extracts could provide an effective alternative solution as many of them exhibit antibacterial or biofilm inhibiting activities. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata as B. burgdorferi inhibitors. Hydroalcoholic extracts from three different samples of each plant were first characterised based on their total concentrations of polyphenolics, flavonoids, iridoids, and antioxidant capacity. Both plants contained substantial amounts of named phytochemicals and showed considerable antioxidant properties. The major non-volatile constituents were then quantified using HPLC-DAD-MS analyses, and volatile constituents were quantified using HS-SPME-GC-MS. The most prevalent non-volatiles were found to be plantamajoside and acteoside, and the most prevalent volatiles were β-caryophyllene, D-limonene, and α-caryophyllene. The B. burgdorferi inhibiting activity of the extracts was tested on stationary-phase B. burgdorferi culture and its biofilm fraction. All extracts showed antibacterial activity, with the most effective lowering the residual bacterial viability down to 15%. Moreover, the extracts prepared from the leaves of each plant additionally demonstrated biofilm inhibiting properties, reducing its formation by 30%.
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**Comment**
Both plants are in the plantain family, which is a diverse family of flowering plants and herbs and includes snapdragons, foxglove, particularly the broadleaf or greater plaintain (Plantago major) which is considered an herb, and narrowleaf plantain or ribwort (Plantago lanceolata).  You will find the former to be a common weed that is often found along the edge of the road.  This is handy because if you react to bee/wasp stings you can chew these leaves which are highly anti-inflammatory and them put it directly on the sting until you get home.  I’ve had to do this.  The tea is also excellent for bronchitis.  While narrowleaf plantain is has supposedly been introduced in WI, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen it and I consider myself a plant freak.
For more:

Word of warning: many think herbs are always safe.  I know of patients who messed themselves up pretty badly with herbs.  Herbs are strong medicine.  Never forget that.  For some they make all the difference.  For others, not so much.  Make sure you learn all you can about these powerful plants and as always – use with caution – as with any treatment.  I’m certainly not trying to dissuade you, just remind you to take heed, do your homework, and preferably work with experienced herbalists.  Nothing beats experience.

Category:

Biofilm, Herbs, Inflammation, Lyme, research, Treatment

Monkeypox Antivirals Under CDC Lockdown

https://popularrationalism.substack.com/p/cdc-has-monkeypox-antivirals-under?

CDC Has Monkeypox Antivirals Under Lockdown

The STOMP trial or CDC’s “expanded access protocols” are the only way to get treatments studied so far to patients. So far, one natural compound has been studied.

 
James Lyons-Weiler
Aug 22, 2024

In an unusual move, the CDC is holding a monopoly on access to drugs that might be useful in treating a contagious virus. Here, we explore standard-of-care options for treating monkeypox.

Physicians in the field have found that care primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, as no specific antiviral treatment has been approved specifically for monkeypox.

Potential (proposed) guidelines for managing the condition:

1. Symptomatic Treatment:

– Pain and Fever Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and fever.

– Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration is crucial.

– Skin Care: Keep the skin lesions clean and dry. Calamine lotion or antihistamines might be used to alleviate itching.

2. Isolation and Prevention:

Isolation: Patients should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus, especially when they are symptomatic and have active lesions.

– Hygiene: Regular handwashing and disinfecting surfaces can help reduce transmission.

3. Antiviral Treatments:

Tecovirimat (TPOXX) is an antiviral medication approved for the treatment of smallpox. Due to its activity against orthopoxviruses, it is sometimes used under compassionate use or in clinical trials for monkeypox.

Cidofovir and Brincidofovir are antiviral drugs sometimes used to treat severe orthopoxvirus infections. Their use for monkeypox is not well established, but it is generally considered when other options are unavailable.

4. Supportive Care:

– Monitoring for Complications: Patients should be monitored for potential complications, such as bacterial infections of skin lesions, pneumonia, or encephalitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

– Hospitalization: Severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care and treatment of complications.

5. Counseling and Mental Health Support:

– Psychological Support: Patients with monkeypox may require psychological support due to the stigma and isolation associated with the disease.  (See link for article)

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**Comment**

The CDC monopolizing testing and treatment is its MO:

Category:

Activism, Treatment, Viruses

Control Cytokines – A Guide

https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/cytokines

Updated: 8/8/24

By Dr. Marty Ross

About Cytokines in Lyme Disease and Related Conditions

Lowering inflammatory cytokines made by the immune system is essential for persistent infections, like Lyme disease, and related conditions recovery. In this article, I discuss why this is so and lay out a nutritional support plan using supplements to lower cytokines. I also recommend adequate sleep.

Cytokines are proteins made by various types of white blood cells to turn on the immune system to attack invaders like:

  • bacteria (for example, Lyme germs and the co-infections),
  • intestinal yeast,
  • parasites,
  • viruses like Covid,
  • mold toxins,
  • environmental toxins, and
  • heavy metals toxins, like lead and mercury.

In the video found in the top link, Dr. Ross discusses cytokines plus two of his favorite supplements to address cytokine excess. For dosing information see the Treatment Approach in the article.

Cytokines are Good, Right? Well, Yes and No.

In the right amount, cytokines promote healing. In excess, they cause most of the major persistent infection and mold toxicity symptoms and dysregulate the immune system. The problem in persistent infections and mold toxicity is that cytokines are usually made in excess. Fortunately, there are some great steps you can take to lower cytokines.

Good: The Right Amount of Cytokines
  • make antibodies work more effectively,
  • increase active white blood cells,
  • recruit white blood cells to where they are needed,
  • turn on white blood cells, and
  • decrease viral and bacterial replication.
Bad: Too Many Cytokines
  • dysregulate the immune system,
  • cause pain,
  • decrease hormone production from organs, like the thyroid and the adrenal glands,
  • disturb sleep,
  • decrease brain function,
  • increase fatigue and tiredness,
  • waste muscles,
  • cause depression, and
  • decrease the function of various organs throughout the body, resulting in many other symptoms and medical problems.  (See link for article and video)

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For more:

Category:

Lyme, Mold, Treatment