Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

The Runaway Suitcase & A Hitchhiking Tick

https://www.lymedisease.org/the-runaway-suitcase-and-a-hitchhiking-tick/

The runaway suitcase and a hitchhiking tick

By Nicole Bell

May 6, 2025

Last year, I went to DC to attend a CDC event. I stayed at a Westin in Virginia right outside the city. I was getting ready to leave and stood behind my minivan searching for my keys. 

As I rummaged through my bag, my suitcase started rolling down the sloped parking lot. I didn’t move quite fast enough, and it rolled across the lot, hitting the curb and falling into uncut grass.

I laughed, recovered my bag, and wheeled it back to the car. But because of my life experiences, I paused. I stared at the bag and decided to check for ticks before I put it in the car. Virginia is an emerging endemic area, and there was a lot of grass.

My inner dialogue was telling me… “man, the PTSD runs deep… I must be crazy… I can’t believe I am checking for ticks in a parking lot…”

And then, I saw it. A tiny little tick scurrying across my suitcase.

I was seconds away from putting that little bugger in my minivan and driving it back, across state lines, to shepherd it into my home.

I wasn’t out hiking. I wasn’t gardening. I was in a parking lot getting ready for a business meeting.

Exposures are everywhere. Be aware. If you have odd symptoms, get tested. I’m happy to help.

Nicole Bell, CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, is also the author of What Lurks in the Woods and The State of Lyme Disease ResearchThis post first appeared on her Instagram page.

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**Comment**

A solid reminder that we are never truly safe, and why we must be continually vigilant.

Ticks have been found on the beach, under rocks, picnic tables, in caves, in trees, in urban areas, and even in cracks of sidewalks:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/07/ticks-on-beaches/ 

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Graphene Oxide Found in All Three Dental Anesthetics Tested – What Now?

Graphene oxide found in all three dental anesthetics tested for. What now?

DAMS news update on May 6, 2025 By Leo Cashman, DAMS Inc.

Last week we reported on the results of testing of Carbocaine, a local anesthetic widely used in dentistry. The report came from the University of Colorado Micro Raman Spectroscopy testing lab. All five of the samples tested showed the D and G bands indicative of graphene oxide and the results bore great similarity to the results from the earlier testing of Septocaine, another local anesthetic made by the same company, Novocol Pharmaceuticals, of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. Novocol is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of dental and its products hold a dominant position in the North American market.

The graphene oxide was identified in black particles found within the sample, objects that are not supposed to be found in the clear liquid product. It is not labeled an ingredient in the product the company does not acknowledge that it is in its products.

A different lab, Medical Genomics, tested samples of Carbocaine for other contaminants: bacteria, yeast, and mold and none of those contaminants were found. Further, the SV40 virus and the spike protein were not found and the lab declared “Carbocaine samples are clean of vaccine DNA.”

Why is the presence of graphene oxide a concern?

Independent research report that graphene oxide particles found in human blood is able to self-assemble into “nano-bots,” also called “nano-robots,” that can act like synthetic parasites, that are not alive but that can multiply, impact a person’s health and also act like little antennas that can communicate with antennas that are outside of the body. The presence of such nano-bots is a violation of a person’s individual privacy and tends to undermine personal autonomy and freedom. Such an arrangement is something that we might expect in a totalitarian society and not in a well functioning democracy. Further, in a well functioning democracy, the responsible regulatory agency, the FDA, would be monitoring these products for such contaminants and not allow their sale. Major media would also step in to alert the public about the issue and exert pressure to bring a halt to the problem.

What other sources of graphene oxide (GO) are some people being exposed to?

One of the best known writer-researchers in this area, Dr. Ana Mihalcea, MD, PhD, reports having identified hydrogel and nanobot contaminants in a variety of medications, Dexamethasone, Benadryl, Omnitrope somatropin, a growth hormone given to young adults, Lentus Insulin, widely used by adults with type 2 diabetes, and Pfizer’s Embrel, a product that is used by people with auto immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Other pathways of exposure are said to be foods we eat (think: a dark cola drink) and also the air we breathe after aerosol spraying by airplanes in the sky (aka “chemtrails). So even persons who eat natural, organic food, avoid covid shots and other vaccines, and drink only pure, non-fluoridated water, may be hard pressed to remain free and clear of the presence of graphene oxide and other materials that would contribute to the self-assembly of nanobots and hydrogels.

Are there any local anesthetics that we know are safe? What do biological dentists prefer to use?

The reasonable conclusion at this point is that there are no local anesthetics that are free of graphene oxide (GO) and there are two reasons for concluding this. 1) All three of the anesthetics tested so far have been found to have GO, 2) Novocol makes the other ones commonly used in North America, and so there is no assurance that any of there other products would be free of it, and 3) Dr. Mihalcea and other researchers have such problem in the blood after use of Lidocaine, a dental anesthetic that we have not directly tested yet for GO. Her research results are summarized in her book Transhuman, (Volume II) Overcoming the Global Depopulation Agenda.

What alternatives do we have to using a local anesthetic in dentistry?

For routine dental work such as fillings and even for inlays, onlays and crowns, some dentists will try to get through the dental work without using a local anesthetic at all. The dentist will say, for example, “we’ll try to get through this without a local anesthetic; if it becomes too painful, raise your right hand and I’ll stop and administer a local anesthetic.” With that kind of assurance, the patient puts herself in a positive, peaceful frame of mind and often gets through it without need to use an anesthetic. This can even work for children.

Other steps that can reduce dental pain, generally, are the homeopathic remedy Arnica montana (high potency) and vitamin B1 (thiamine). Acupuncture is also effective, but bringing in an acupuncturist to perform that treatment makes it an uncommon approach. Use of a general anesthetic is not an very desirable alternative because it is very invasive, carries some risk, and the use of fluoride in most of the general anesthetics raises some concern about toxic fluoride residues.

What can a person do to inhibit the self-assembly of GO into nanobots? Or to get rid of them if they have already formed?

In Chapter 4 of Dr. Mihalcea’s book, Treatment Solutions, she suggests a variety of tactics. Eliminate and detoxify from toxic metals such as iron, aluminum, mercury, cadmium by eliminating sources of them and doing a safe, gentle detox program. Dr. Mihalcea suggests use of intravenous EDTA and intravenous vitamin C but, while EDTA good for removal of lead and aluminum, EDTA is not a good chelator of mercury and many of the other toxic metals and there is some research that suggests that EDTA is not a very safe chelator for mercury. However, EDTA may be useful for smashing the nano-bots found in the blood after the self-assembly has occurred. Another agent worthy of mention is Methylene Blue, and it, too, would normally be administered under a doctor’s care.

Maria Crisler, another widely known researcher and writer, working in collaboration with Dr Edward Group, has helped develop detox products that can address the common products. The choice and use of their products is beyond the discussion in this article, but the reader may find more product ideas at Abeytu Naturals, AbeytuNaturals.com which has products developed by Maria Crisler. Another company, somewhat larger, is Global Healing, GlobalHealhing.com headed by Dr Edward Group, DC.

In terms of preventing of self-assembly, the advice is to avoid un-natural EMFs as from cell phones, cordless phones and Wi-Fi, alcohol consumption, and also avoid use of zeolite as a detox product (zeolite contains aluminum, which fuels the self-assembly of the nano-bots).

This subject area will see much continuing research, and we will do out best to share the new information as it comes out. Feel free to share this article with others, including your biological dentist and your holistic health care practitioners.

DAMS INC. is a non-profit organization and does not endorse any particular products or protocols.

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One Unit of Blood Led to Babesia Infection

https://danielcameronmd.com/blood-transfusion-babesia/

One Unit of Blood Led to a Babesia Infection

April 22, 2025

When we think of tick-borne illnesses like Babesia, we often picture outdoor exposure in wooded, high-risk areas. But what happens when Babesia shows up in someone who hasn’t been outdoors—and hasn’t been bitten by a tick? One recent case reminds us that Babesia can travel silently through the bloodstream, sometimes delivered unintentionally through a blood transfusion.

A 30-year-old man with sickle cell disease (SCD) required regular red blood cell exchanges—about 10 units every 3 to 4 weeks since childhood. Two months after a routine blood transfusion, he developed symptoms that initially seemed vague: fever, neck pain, and photophobia.

But within days, his condition worsened. He experienced:

  1. Persistent fever and chills
  2. Headache
  3. Fatigue
  4. Loss of appetite

It was clear something serious was unfolding.

A Surprising Diagnosis – Babesia via a blood transfusion

Lab work confirmed the presence of Babesia parasites in his red blood cells, and serologic testing came back positive. He was also borderline positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, though not treated for those due to a lack of supportive symptoms.

Babesia is a malaria-like parasite typically spread by ticks, but this patient hadn’t been outdoors or hiking recently. So, where had it come from?

Tracing the Source: A Lookback Investigation

A donor lookback investigation revealed the answer. Over six months, the patient had received blood transfusions including 65 units of blood—58 of which were screened for Babesia. One of the 7 unscreened units came from a donor who tested positive for Babesia microti.

This donor lived in Ohio, a state not considered endemic for Babesia and thus not required to screen blood donors for the parasite. The donor reported no symptoms and had been active outdoors, hiking and camping in Ohio, Tennessee, and North Carolina—states with potential but under-recognized risk for tick exposure.

Why This Matters: A Vulnerable Blood Supply

This case, published by Costa and colleagues,¹ highlights a critical issue: transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) remains a real and preventable risk—especially in patients with chronic blood transfusion needs, like those with sickle cell disease.

“Prior to laboratory-based blood donor screening for Babesia, TTB was a leading infectious risk to the blood supply in the United States,” the authors note.

In 2019, the FDA implemented Babesia screening requirements for blood donors in 14 high-incidence states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Minnesota. But states like Ohio—where this case originated—are not yet on that list.

A Simple Treatment, a Critical Delay

Fortunately, this patient was promptly treated with a 10-day course of azithromycin and atovaquone, and his symptoms resolved. But in many cases, particularly in non-endemic states, the delay in diagnosis can lead to more severe disease, especially in vulnerable populations.

Lessons for Clinicians and Policymakers

This case reminds us of a few important lessons:

🩸 1. Babesia Isn’t Just Tick-Borne

Yes, it’s a tick-borne disease—but it’s also transmissible via blood transfusions. That means even patients without outdoor exposure can be at risk.

🌎 2. “Non-Endemic” Doesn’t Mean No Risk

Donors may travel, camp, or hike in high-risk areas—even if their home state isn’t considered endemic. Geographic assumptions can lead to blind spots in our screening systems.

⏳ 3. Delays in Diagnosis Can Be Deadly

In places where clinicians aren’t used to seeing Babesia, diagnosis can be delayed. For immunocompromised or chronically transfused patients, that delay can be critical.

📋 4. Screening Policies May Need Expansion

We must reconsider whether the current state-specific Babesia screening recommendations are sufficient. This case suggests a broader approach may be warranted.

Final Thoughts

For patients like this young man with sickle cell disease, a single unscreened unit of blood changed everything. His case is a powerful reminder that Babesia is no longer just a disease of the woods—it’s also a disease of the blood bank.

As we continue to evolve our understanding of blood transfusion safety, infectious disease spread, and vector-borne illnesses, we must remain open to adjusting our protocols and awareness—even in states not currently labeled “high risk.”

Because in medicine, what we don’t test for can still hurt our patients.

Related Articles:

Podcast: Two mothers transmit Babesia to their babies

Geriatric cases of Babesia are rising and may require longer treatment

Reference:

Costa B, et al. Transfusion-transmitted babesiosis in a patient with sickle cell disease undergoing chronic red cell exchange. International Medical Case Reports Journal, 2020.

Live Lyme Awareness Events

Dr. Rawls Live Lyme Awareness Event

Lyme Awareness Month is well underway, and the stories and conversations happening in the #WeSeeYou space are already inspiring real connection and momentum.
We’re especially excited for our featured event this Friday at 1 PM ET, where we’ll be joined by Nicole Bell, author of What Lurks in the Woods.
Nicole will share her powerful journey through illness, caregiving, and advocacy—shining a light on what it means to search for answers in the face of the unknown.
Now the CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, Nicole brings a unique blend of personal and professional insight into the challenges of chronic illness and the urgent need for better diagnostics and deeper understanding.

New Podcast Conversations with Dr. Rawls

This month, Dr. Rawls has been sharing his insights on chronic illness and recovery through a series of podcast interviews.

Catch him on:

  • Culture Apothecary – A heartfelt discussion on healing, trauma, and resilience in chronic illness. Listen or watch here »
  • Ancient Health Podcast with Dr. Chris Motley – A dynamic conversation covering chronic infections, herbal therapies, and how cellular health is key to recovery. Listen here »

Save the Date and RSVP:

Join us next week for a live conversation with Olivia Abrams, co-founder and CEO of TiCK MiTT to hear her powerful story of being impacted by Lyme disease as a child and how it led her to create a tool with her father that’s changing prevention for others! Hosted by Ali Moresco.

Event Date: Wednesday, May 14th, 2 pm ET

RSVP here »

We hope to see you at an upcoming event soon!
– The RawlsMD Team
P.S. Get a pair of our limited edition Lyme Awareness Sunglasses at Vital Plan! Buy a pair for your self or a loved one or get a pair for free with any order over $50 at Vital Plan.

Advances in Lyme & Babesiosis Research

https://www.globallymealliance.org/news/from-diagnostics-to-disease-mechanisms-advances-in-lyme-and-babesiosis-research?

Cutting-edge research funded by GLA advances diagnostics and insights into Lyme disease and babesiosis, identifying key biomarkers and genetic risk factors.

Three GLA-funded investigators have been making exciting progress. Dr. Rafal Tokarz’s team has been uncovering key insights into the immune response to specific proteins of Lyme bacteria, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics. Dr. Ben Mamoun has achieved an important milestone by developing the first diagnostic tests for detecting active Babesia duncani infections.  Dr. Klemen Strle’s research suggests that specific genetic factors may increase the risk of developing chronic Lyme arthritis. Meanwhile, Dr. Strle’s new findings are shedding light on how certain genetic factors may heighten the risk of developing chronic Lyme arthritis. 

Summary: 

GLA-funded research continues to shed light on key aspects of Lyme and tick-borne diseases, from diagnostic biomarkers to genetic factors influencing disease outcomes. 

Dr. Rafal Tokarz and his team at Columbia University used peptide arrays and machine learning to identify immune reactive proteins in Borrelia burgdorferi to differentiate between phases of Lyme disease. These insights could enhance the accuracy of antibody-based diagnostic tests by improving their sensitivity and specificity (Tokarz et al., 2024). 

At Yale University, Dr. Choukri Ben Mamoun and his team developed the first antigen detection tests for Babesia duncani, a parasite often responsible for severe babesiosis. These assays, validated with over 1,700 samples, can detect active infections with high sensitivity and specificity, paving the way for early diagnosis, reservoir animal screening, and improved blood safety (Chand et al., 2024).  

Research by Dr. Klemen Strle and his group at Tufts University identified genetic variations associated with chronic Lyme arthritis. These variations are linked to increased inflammation and autoantibody responses, suggesting that some patients may have a genetic predisposition to persistent arthritis in Lyme disease. These findings may guide future biomarker development to predict disease risk (Ehrbar et al., 2024). 

These studies reflect GLA’s unwavering commitment to support research that addresses critical challenges in diagnosing and managing tick-borne diseases. 

Publications: 

Tokarz, R., Guo, C., Sanchez-Vicente, S., Horn, E., Eschman, A., Turk, S. P., Lipkin, W. I., & Marques, A. (2024). Identification of reactive Borrelia burgdorferi peptides associated with Lyme disease. mBio, 15(10). https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02360-24   

Chand, M., Vydyam, P., Pal, A. C., Thekkiniath, J., Darif, D., Li, Z., Choi, J. Y., Magni, R., Luchini, A., Tonnetti, L., Horn, E. J., Tufts, D. M., & Ben Mamoun, C. (2024). A set of diagnostic tests for detection of active Babesia duncani infection. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 147, 107178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107178  

Ehrbar, D., Arvikar, S. L., Sulka, K. B., Chiumento, G., Nelson, N. L. J., Hernandez, S. A., Williams, M. A., Strle, F., Steere, A. C., & Strle, K. (2024). Variants in the late cornified envelope gene locus are associated with elevated T-helper 17 responses in patients with postinfectious Lyme arthritis. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 230(Supplement_1), S40–S50. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiae164  

https://www.globallymealliance.org/news/decoding-chronic-lyme-investigating-epigenetic-signatures?

Pictured: Tanja Petnicki-Ocwieja, PhD, courtesy of Tufts University School of Medicine
Tufts University, with support from GLA, is leading research to uncover epigenetic mechanisms behind chronic Lyme disease. Dr. Tanja Petnicki-Ocwieja’s work could improve treatments and reveal commonalities with other post-infectious syndromes like long COVID.

By Mase Peterson

In the fight against Lyme disease, cutting-edge research is essential for advancing treatment and prevention strategies. Tanja Petnicki-Ocwieja, PhD, a research assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, is a key contributor to this effort through her work with the Tufts Lyme Disease Initiative. This collaborative group of faculty, staff, and students is dedicated to eliminating the public health threat of Lyme disease by 2030.

Tufts is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive groups of tick-borne disease researchers. Led by co-directors Linden Hu, Paul and Elaine Chervinsky Professor of Immunology, and Robert P. Smith, a physician at Maine Medical Center and professor of medicine, the team recently secured a $20.7 million federal grant, further solidifying Tufts’ position as a global leader in Lyme disease research.

In this Q&A, part of a feature series spotlighting members of the Initiative, Professor Petnicki-Ocwieja discusses her research on the immunological and epigenetic mechanisms underlying chronic Lyme disease and its potential to transform patient outcomes…

Read the rest from Tufts School of Medicine

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**Comment**

I’d love to be hopeful, but when the moniker PTLDS continues to be used it shows an inherent bias that ongoing infections aren’t to blame for people’s ongoing symptoms.  This must change.

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