New Study Discussing Persistent Nature Of Lyme Disease

[Maz]

In a newly published study by a well-known Lyme Literate MD and researcher, the persistent nature of Lyme spirochetes is discussed, drawing upon recent monkey, murine and human studies:

http://www.hoajonline.com/journals/pdf/2052-5958-1-2.pdf

Persistence has been described by some researchers are being the antigenic DNA, left-over remnants and proteins of dead spirochetes in human tissues causing an “autoimmune” response. This may partly be the case. However, it has also long been known, as demonstrated by Brorson & Brorson that spirochetes quickly ball up into dormant cystic forms, as hardy and impervious to antibiotics as a virus. These dormant cystic forms have reduced outer surface proteins, which has also been explained as a reason why some folks just don’t produce enough of an antibody response for a positive Lyme test. See Youtube video of microscopic view of spirochete quickly reverting to a cyst below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVmCa70bAxE

Researcher, Eva Sapi, has also demonstrated how Lyme spirochetes form protective colonies in bio-film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmvgOfIN_8c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4uNDWdChM8

Further, Finnish researchers discovered that Lyme-infected mice, previously treated with antibiotics that became seronegative for Lyme, but that live spirocheter were able to be cultured when they were later treated with anti-TNF medications (similar to Humira or Enbrel). Therefore, demonstrating that these immune-suppressive agents reactivated the latent Lyme infection.

http://www.columbia-lyme.org/research/keyarticles.html

“Commentary. These two studies demonstrate that Bb spirochetes can persist in the mouse after ceftriaxone therapy. The Finish study was remarkable in that culture and PCR were negative after ceftriaxone but, after additional treatment with anti-TNF-alpha, viable spirochetes were recovered. TNF is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which, when blocked, typically results in a reduction in clinical inflammation; for this reason, such treatment is used for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. To the surprise of the authors, viable spirochetes were recovered in these PCR- and culture-negative mice after TNF blocking treatment was given. Also interesting is that anti-TNF treatment did not result in the expected finding of a reduction of joint swelling.”

Have to wonder if this is why there are the black box warnings on TNF-blockers for diseases known to be triggered by Lyme, such as MS and Lupus.

[mary77]

Fascinating links, Maz. Thanks for sharing them. The spirochete changing into a cyst form is “creepy”. These infections are so darn tough to fight! What a shame this information isn’t taught in medical schools throughout the country…maybe someday. I just can’t wait that long for available, adequate treatment!
Mary

[Todd WI]

Wow, very interesting stuff. I wonder if anyone is working on development of a posi-TNF-alpha medication?

Todd

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