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The peptidoglycan-associated protein NapA plays an important role in the envelope integrity and in the pathogenesis of the lyme disease spirochete

Abstract The bacterial pathogen responsible for causing Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is an atypical Gram-negative spirochete that is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. In diderms, peptidoglycan (PG) is sandwiched between the inner and outer membrane of the cell envelope. In many other Gram-negative bacteria, PG is bound by protein(s),…

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A novel Borrelia species, intermediate between Lyme disease and relapsing fever groups, in neotropical passerine-associated ticks

Abstract Lyme disease (LD) and relapsing fevers (RF) are vector-borne diseases caused by bacteria of the Borrelia genus. Here, we report on the widespread infection by a non-described Borrelia species in passerine-associated ticks in tropical rainforests of French Guiana, South America. This novel Borrelia species is common in two tick species, Amblyomma longirostre and A….

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Summerland man battles Lyme disease for more than 12 years

Summerland, BC: Lance Tycholaz continues to cope with Lyme disease symptoms A tick bite in the summer of 2009 changed life permanently for Lance Tycholaz. At the time, Tycholaz was working for the B.C. Ministry of Tourism when he had a tick bite on his back, between his shoulder blades. He was alone at the…

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Harvard study identifies symptom clusters in Lyme patients with persistent symptoms

A retrospective study of 270 post-treatment Lyme patients identified the most debilitating neurological symptoms, paving the way for future studies on root causes of disease and better treatments. The largest study to-date characterizing ongoing symptoms [1] of Lyme patients after antibiotic treatment has been published by a group of investigators at Harvard-affiliated hospitals and Invisible International, a non-profit organization….

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Evidence-Based, Patient-Centered Treatment of Erythema Migrans in the United States

Abstract Lyme disease, often characterized as a readily treatable infection, can be a debilitating and expensive illness, especially when patients remain symptomatic following therapy for early disease. Identifying and promoting highly effective therapeutic interventions for US patients with erythema migrans (EM) rashes that return them to their pre-infection health status should be a priority. The…

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Brain fog, mysterious infections, not believed – Atlantic Canadians still struggling to get faster Lyme disease diagnosis

June 8th 2021 “The (symptoms) affected every system in my body, pretty much,” said Lugar, who was experiencing vision, hearing, and digestive issues, as well as extreme fatigue and light and sound sensitivity. “At my worst, I was in bed, in a darkened room. At my best, I could function at about 60 per cent.”…

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Brain fog, mysterious infections, not believed – Atlantic Canadians still struggling to get faster Lyme disease diagnosis

June 8th 2021 “The (symptoms) affected every system in my body, pretty much,” said Lugar, who was experiencing vision, hearing, and digestive issues, as well as extreme fatigue and light and sound sensitivity. “At my worst, I was in bed, in a darkened room. At my best, I could function at about 60 per cent.”…

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Interagency Cooperation Drives Discovery of Lyme Disease Spirochete in Exotic Tick

“Since inception, the primary goal of the tick program has been to collect and test blacklegged ticks because of the public health risk they pose. However, over time and through targeted collections throughout the Commonwealth, established populations of additional tick species have been discovered. One of those species is the newly invasive Asian longhorned tick…

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Detection of Babesia odocoilei in Humans with Babesiosis Symptoms

Abstract Human babesiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease that causes societal and economic impact worldwide. Several species of Babesia cause babesiosis in terrestrial vertebrates, including humans. A one-day clinic was held in Ontario, Canada, to see if a red blood cell parasite, which is present in blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis, is present in humans. Based on PCR testing…

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New podcast: Turning pain into strength with Lyme warrior Gina Valles

“This week Sarah is joined by Gina Valles, a fitness coach with a degree in exercise science who founded Gina’s Total Fitness in Connecticut. In 2018, Gina was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which changed her life and outlook on fitness. Through her Instagram account, which has almost 180,000 followers, Gina shares her journey, workouts, and…

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New Podcast: Innovation in Lyme disease research and treatment with Rossana Magnotta

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Rossana Magnotta, who established the G. Magnotta Foundation in honour of her late husband, Gabe, who passed away after a courageous battle with Lyme disease. The G. Magnotta Foundation leads scientific research into Lyme disease at the University of Guelph in Ontario. Listen to podcast

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Detecting Borrelia Spirochetes: A Case Study With Validation Among Autopsy Specimens

The complex etiology of neurodegenerative disease has prompted studies on multiple mechanisms including genetic predisposition, brain biochemistry, immunological responses, and microbial insult. In particular, Lyme disease is often associated with neurocognitive impairment with variable manifestations between patients. We sought to develop methods to reliably detect Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, in autopsy…

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The peptidoglycan-associated protein NapA plays an important role in the envelope integrity and in the pathogenesis of the lyme disease spirochete

May 13th, 2021 Abstract The bacterial pathogen responsible for causing Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is an atypical Gram-negative spirochete that is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. In diderms, peptidoglycan (PG) is sandwiched between the inner and outer membrane of the cell envelope. In many other Gram-negative bacteria, PG is bound by protein(s),…

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Canada: Interactive maps developed to track data on ticks

“With the arrival of spring and warmer weather the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) is hoping you will give some consideration to the spread of Lyme disease and the ticks that carry it. May is Lyme disease awareness month. Reliable statistics are not yet available in Canada but a recent American study by the U.S….

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CanLyme’s podcast producer retires from CBC radio after 29 years but will continue to work with CanLyme: “The voice of the Kootenays: CBC correspondent Bob Keating retires”

“The CBC reporter was walking in downtown Nelson in the winter of 2017 when he passed two women singing on the sidewalk. One of the singers made such an impression that Keating asked if he could record her on his phone. “Her voice was that striking. It just had such soul and humanity to it,”…