[Canlyme note: Although Borrelia are not known to secrete toxins, this type of research may be beneficial for chemical constituents such as borrelia lipoproteins and lipopolysaccharides.]
November 4th, 2014 Published online
Engineered liposomes sequester bacterial exotoxins and protect from severe invasive infections in mice
Abstract
Gram-positive bacterial pathogens that secrete cytotoxic pore-forming toxins, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, cause a substantial burden of disease. Inspired by the principles that govern natural toxin-host interactions, we have engineered artificial liposomes that are tailored to effectively compete with host cells for toxin binding. Liposome-bound toxins are unable to lyse mammalian cells in vitro. We use these artificial liposomes as decoy targets to sequester bacterial toxins that are produced during active infection in vivo. Administration of artificial liposomes within 10 h after infection rescues mice from septicemia caused by S. aureusand S. pneumoniae, whereas untreated mice die within 24–33 h. Furthermore, liposomes protect mice against invasive pneumococcal pneumonia. Composed exclusively of naturally occurring lipids, tailored liposomes are not bactericidal and could be used therapeutically either alone or in conjunction with antibiotics to combat bacterial infections and to minimize toxin-induced tissue damage that occurs during bacterial clearance.
FDA NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: Wed. Dec. 11, 2013 Media Inquiries: Shelly Burgess, 301-796-4651, shelly.burgess@fda.hhs.gov or Juli Putnam, 240-402-0537,JuliAnn.Putnam@fda.hhs.gov Trade Press Inquiries: Siobhan DeLancey, 240-276-9356, siobhan.delancey@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA From: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm378193.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery FDA takes significant steps to address antimicrobial resistance Agency implementing plan to ensure judicious use of antibiotics in food animals The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today…
Survey on the treatment of Lyme disease outside of Canada We are conducting a survey to estimate the number of Canadians receiving treatment for Lyme disease outside of Canada, and the outcome of that treatment. If you are being treated for Lyme disease outside of Canada, or have previously been treated for Lyme disease outside…
[CanLyme Note: We agree totally that a thorough diagnostic work-up should preclude any diagnosis. Not everything is Lyme borreliosis. What is so dismaying, however, is the focus of the US CDC MD’s on the few cases such as those listed in this article, while they ignore the tens of thousands of legitimate chronic Lyme disease cases….
[CanLyme Note: We disagree that “appropriate treatment” has been established for borreliosis. Also, this study involved deceased monkeys and is a primary tissue study so it is not representative of what occurs in a living human. There are interesting point made including that dead borrelia remnants can cause havoc.] Abstract Even after appropriate treatment, a proportion…
It’s been a living hell of uncertainty, confusion, depression and downright fear. The Mets’ ‘Franchise,’ author of 311 career victories was not himself for the past year or so, but is slowly regaining his championship form after diagnosis. Read more: https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/madden-tom-nearing-terrific-day-mets-legend-winning-battle-lyme-disease-article-1.1289293#ixzz2Nfe3yZl8
Researchers have discovered a new Lyme disease endemic area in Frontenac County that was likely started by spring migratory songbirds. This remote site, near Verona, Ontario, is located a considerable distance from roads and dwellings, which indicates that songbirds introduced immature (larva, nymphs) blacklegged ticks, the primary vector of the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi….
The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation is dedicated to promoting research, education, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and associated diseases.