Vector Competence Studies With Hard Ticks & Borrelia Sensu Lato Spirochetes: A Review

March 15, 2020

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32067949

2019 Dec 14:101359. doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101359. [Epub ahead of print]

Vector competence studies with hard ticks and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes: A review.

Eisen L1.

Abstract

Use of emerging technology allowing for identification of genetic material from pathogens and endosymbionts in ticks collected from humans, domestic animals, wildlife, or the environment has resulted in an avalanche of new data on tick-microorganism associations. This rapidly growing stream of new information is a tremendous resource but also presents challenges, including how detection of pathogen genetic material in ticks should best be interpreted. There is a tendency in the more recent published literature to incorrectly use the term “vector” based on detection of pathogen genetic material from tick species not experimentally confirmed to serve as vectors of the pathogen in question.

To serve as a vector of a horizontally maintained pathogen, such as a Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) Lyme borreliosis spirochete, the tick species in question must be capable of acquiring the pathogen while feeding in the larval or nymphal stage on an infectious host, maintaining it transstadially through the molt, and then transmitting the pathogen to a naïve host while feeding in the subsequent nymphal or adult stage.

This review examines the experimental evidence for and against species of hard (ixodid) ticks from different genera to serve as vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes.

  • Of the 18 Ixodes species ticks evaluated to date, 13 were experimentally confirmed as vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes.
  • These studies focused primarily on the three major Lyme borreliosis agents: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii.
  • In striking contrast, none of 8 tick species from other genera (1 Amblyomma species, 5 Dermacentor species, and 2 Haemaphysalis species) evaluated to date were unequivocally experimentally confirmed as vectors of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes.

The strength of the evidence for or against each tick species to serve as a vector of B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes is discussed together with key knowledge gaps and research challenges.

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**Comment**

This author, a CDC employee, is basing his findings on previous research.  There’s nothing new here.  

Also of import is the fact borrelia has been found in other ticks – just not enough for to be “statistically” important, OR in the instance of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) there has been hot debate as to whether STARI is Lyme or not.  Patients and advocates alike claim the symptoms are one in the same.  The debate continues.

The trouble is, what if you are the poor sucker that gets bitten by that “statistically” insignificant tick?  Well, you lose because mainstream doctors are going to skim this review and conclude that ONLY certain ticks transmit Lyme/borrelia. They are going to write you off as psychosomatic:

Important excerpt:

Yes, vector competence was confirmed experimentally; No, vector competence was evaluated experimentally but could not be confirmed; Blank space, tick species not yet evaluated for this B. burgdorferi s.l. species.

There were numerous places where competence couldn’t be confirmed (which is a far cry different from it can’t happen) as well as the fact there were tons of blank spaces – which means the tick species hasn’t even been evaluated yet.

Here’s the dealeo, all ticks transfer fluid.  ALL TICKS should be suspect.  Period.  Remember all the research I’ve posted stating Lyme “didn’t exist” in various geographical places until someone pushed hard enough to get it recognized:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/31/no-lyme-in-the-south-guess-again/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/09/24/arkansas-kids-denied-lyme-treatment/

Excerpt:

According to Dr. Naveen Patil, Director of the Infectious Disease Program, ADH,

“We don’t have Lyme Disease in Arkansas, we have the ticks that transmit Lyme Disease but we don’t have any recorded cases of Lyme Disease.” 

We can thank a mother from Arkansas for getting Arkansas on the map for Lyme disease.

And so it goes:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/10/24/no-lyme-in-oklahoma-yeah-right/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/22/its-just-crazy-why-is-lyme-disease-treatment-so-difficult-to-find-in-mississippi/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/11/25/hundreds-of-people-impacted-by-tick-borne-illnesses-in-north-carolina/

Tick research is similar in that until something gets documented (published), researchers and doctors alike treat it as if it’s never, ever happened, and therefore (circular reasoning) it won’t happen in the future.

Category:

research, Testing, Ticks, Transmission

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Corona Virus Common Sense

https://www.somerdelsignore.com/the-lyme-corner/lets-talk-lyme-disease/pans/pandas/somer-delsignore/2020/3/2/corona-virus-common-sense

March 2, 2020

By Somer Delsignore

Corona Virus Common Sense…

The Corona Virus continues to monopolize all forms of media with daily infection and death toll updates to experts voicing their opinions about origins, nature of the virus and prevention, it’s nearly impossible to
escape. Thousands of people across the globe are affected by this virus and most cases concentrated in China.
The Corona Virus appears to be more virulent than the Flu. But why?

Corona Viruses are known to cause the common cold and have existed for thousands of years. The Corona Virus of concern is a novel strain of beta-coronavirus commonly found in bats and birds. It is thought the current strain originating in China was transmitted by bats. The virus is unique in its immune provocation where an aggressive response occurs signaling interferon alpha of the immune system that triggers significant, overwhelming inflammation in the host.

Bats by nature have mechanisms to temper this acute response but a human host lacks the ability to balance this inflammation. Additionally, the virus targets the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The host, if
immunocompromised or with other illnesses may succumb to the inflammatory respiratory effects of the disease  potentially leading to respiratory failure in those most vulnerable. During my travels recently I was appalled by the human habits observed in the airport, a global snapshot of human behaviors if you will and wondered why those numbers weren’t higher.

Many travelers inadequately washed their hands including food establishments or more disturbing, not washing at all.  Flight attendants? Forget about it! I observed attendants handle the bathroom door, collect garbage, touch overhead bins, help passengers with items only to happily return to their food and
beverage cart to dish out refreshments with a generous helping of bacteria.
Healthy appearing folks were wearing surgical face masks only to take them off for a smoke/vaping break.
Many travelers were consuming voluminous amounts of soda, sugary and carbohydrate laden foods. The human body is miraculous in its ability to rejuvenate from such conditions. I’m surprised we still exist as a species!

Airport habits aside, how does one protect themselves? The easiest, least expensive way to decrease your risk of Corona Virus and other illnesses is to wash your hands! Handwashing means soap and water with vigorous friction for 20 seconds. Sing Happy Birthday twice to yourself or out loud, whatever works for you. Avoiding large crowds if possible, can decrease your risk given most viruses and bacteria are spread via droplets, coughing and sneezing. Getting ample rest can help the body reset and recharge by release of
growth hormone during deep sleep cycles thus giving an immune boost. A healthy diet is key. I cannot place enough emphasis upon this! Ensure a diet rich in lean protein sources, high fiber fruits and vegetables and hydrate. Diets high in sugar have been linked to immune suppression making you more vulnerable to
illnesses.

Additionally, supplements may help boost the immune system while supporting detoxification and keeping inflammation at bay. A daily probiotic containing bifidobacterium is known to have antioxidant properties as
well as free radical scavenger abilities while Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is shown to increase interferon-gamma further supporting the immune system.  Transfer factor is another heavy hitter providing key materials that support immunity. Transfer factor is a very small protein (peptide) containing RNA made by activated T-helper cells. Transfer factor can bind to specific antigens on an infected cell signaling T cells to eradicate it. Overall Transfer factor helps to balance the immune system and support the front-line immunity so when exposed the body can effectively mount an attack against a virus or bacteria.

Additionally, ample amounts of vitamins A, C, and D, and the minerals zinc and selenium can support healthy immune function.  (It is important to note that since vitamins A and D are fat soluble, if they are taken for prolonged periods of time, checking blood levels should be considered.)  There are also several specialized supplements that provide additional immune support, which may especially be useful in times of intense immune system challenges, such as what we are experiencing now.  These include immune enhancing
polysaccharides, such as advanced mushroom extract, and IAG larcharabinogalactans, which can complement the immune modulating activities of the peptide transfer factors.  Herbal products such as astragalus, curcumin, and resveratrol, as well as beta-glucans, and olive leaf extract, may also add additional support for the immune system and some may have anti-inflammatory effects as well.

The takeaway here is to support the “vessel” by using common sense practices like good handwashing, rest and proper nutrition. Additionally, immune enhancements during the height of the viral season can also provide support during these challenging times.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29149822

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=wellmune%20upper%20repiratory%20infection

https://www.globalresearch.ca/three-intravenous-vitamin-c-research-studies-approved-treating-covid-19/5705405

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=wellmune%20upper%20repiratory%20infection

Category:

Activism, Treatment, Viruses

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Herbal Treatment For Coronavirus Infections – Buhner

HERBAL TREATMENT FOR CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS

Stephen Harrod Buhner

iu-46

https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus.txt.pdf Treatments start on page 12

 

Category:

Treatment, Viruses

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Unusual Case of Suspected Lyme Disease in Patient With Ear Pain

March 14, 2020

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6906891/

. 2019 Oct-Dec; 11(4): 160–162.
Published online 2019 Nov 26. doi: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_75_19
PMCID: PMC6906891
PMID: 31849437

An Unusual Case of Suspected Lyme Neuroborreliosis in a Patient Presenting with Ear Pain

Michael Anthony Ramada, Saman Kannangara,1 and Hany Eskarous1

Abstract

We report a case of suspected Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) where the patient’s sole symptom was chronic, intermittent episodes of unilateral ear pain. This case was unusual because this patient did not show any other neurological or extraneurological symptoms of Lyme disease. LNB is a manifestation of infection by Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes that can manifest in a number of different clinical presentations depending on the nervous system dissemination of the bacteria. Most commonly, these neurological findings present as peripheral nerve radiculopathies, but rarer involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) can occur if a patient goes untreated. Most often, CNS involvement presents as meningitis with increased lymphocytes but can, in rarer cases, involve the spinal cord or brain parenchyma.

The diagnosis of LNB was made after the patient was found to have suspicious lesions in the spinal cord and brain parenchyma on magnetic resonance imaging as well as cerebrospinal fluid Borrelia antibody index was consistent with CNS Lyme disease. We discuss this case as a unique clinical presentation of suspected LNB and the diagnostic findings associated with this infection.

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**Comment**

Nothing surprises me about Lyme disease anymore.  “Not everything is Lyme, but Lyme CAN be anything.”  Truer words were never spoken.

 

 

Category:

Lyme, research, Testing

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Dogs With Proteinuria Found to Have Exposure to Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Lyme Disease

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31916316/

2020 Jan 8. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15610. [Epub ahead of print]

A retrospective study of vector-borne disease prevalence in dogs with proteinuria: Southeastern United States.

Purswell EK1, Lashnits EW1, Breitschwerdt EB1, Vaden SL1.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Proteinuria is a risk factor for progressive kidney injury in dogs. Enhanced understanding of potential associations between canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) and proteinuria is needed.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the proportion of evaluated proteinuric dogs exposed to ≥1 CVBD, including Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., spotted-fever group Rickettsia, Bartonella spp., Anaplasma spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis, and to determine if demographic or clinicopathologic differences exist between proteinuric dogs exposed to CVBD versus proteinuric dogs with no evidence of CVBD exposure.

ANIMALS:

Two-hundred nine proteinuric dogs, concurrently tested for CVBD, which were examined at a single academic veterinary hospital between January 2008 and December 2015.

METHODS:

Retrospective cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and CVBD test results were extracted from medical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess associations between CVBD and selected variables.

RESULTS:

Based on serology and polymerase chain reaction testing,

  • 34% of proteinuric dogs (72/209) were exposed to ≥1 CVBD
  • Exposure to Rickettsia spp. (19%)
  • Ehrlichia spp. (12%)
  • B. burgdorferi (9%)

The CVBD exposure was lower in dogs tested in autumn or spring, higher in intact dogs, and higher in dogs with lower serum albumin and higher serum creatinine concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:

Exposure to CVBD, particularly exposure to Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and B. burgdorferi was found in proteinuric dogs from the southeast United States. Additional controlled prospective studies examining a potential causal relationship between CVBD and proteinuria are warranted.

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**Comment**

The question of course is – does this also happen in humans and to what degree?

 

Category:

Activism, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme, research, Rickettsia

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