Lyme Disease
This cutaneous condition: known as Lyme Disease, can be Discussed here.
Persons finding themselves or loved ones socially unsettling because of Lyme disease (Afzelius' disease, Lyme borreliosis) may like to share how they cope in order to help others world-wide searching for experiences.
Lyme Disease Far More Common Than Previously Known
Fewer than 30,000 cases of the tick-borne illness are reported each year. But the CDC says surveys of labs that test for the disease, six years of insurance claims and other surveillance methods suggest that the number of infections is actually 10 times higher.
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New method to stop the spread of Lyme disease
Medication that is normally used to lower cholesterol could stop the spread of Lyme disease, according to a new study. Statins can reduce the burden in mice and can therefore be exploited to reduce the number of Lyme disease bacteria acquired by the feeding ticks. These investigators believe that this could be one of the many strategies to lower the incidence of Lyme disease by restricting bacterial survival at its source. Ref. Source 3t.
Lyme disease early-detection test is effective, study shows
After three years and 300 patients, researchers have proof that their early-detection urine test for Lyme disease works. In the case of Lyme disease, some patients may still have active cases but traditional tests don't register it, and these patients may not be receiving the additional round of treatment they need, authors say. Ref. Source 1f.
Genes and age determine susceptibility to Lyme disease
People react very differently to an infection with the Borrelia bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Researchers have investigated this varying response, concluding that age, genetic disposition and previous Lyme infections play an important role. However, despite the large differences observed, the Borrelia bacterium has a clear effect on the immune system’s energy regulation, opening up opportunities for research into better detection of Borrelia infections. Ref. Source 3r.
How a protein helps bacteria outsmart the human immune system. New research has uncovered a mechanism by which the bacteria that cause Lyme disease fight innate immune responses, and observed a never-before-seen phenomena demonstrating the bacteria can spring back in the body weeks later. Understanding this type of bacteria, one of only a few pathogens that can actually persist in the body for long periods of time, has major implications for treatment of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Source 4n.