Chronic Bartonella species infections (bartonellosis) can lead to inflammation that impacts the heart, nervous system, and more. According to case studies, these stealth pathogens can also target the bones. How can Bartonella affect a structure that is usually impervious to infection? History: From World War I to HIV/AIDS During World War I, one million soldiers […]
One Health Trio: Dr. Breitschwerdt’s Three Publications about Vector-borne Pathogens and His Family
As often happens in healthcare, specialists enter their field because of a personal experience with their specialty or because those personal experiences find them or those whom they love. The vector-borne disease researchers at Galaxy Diagnostics include people with these experiences. We are pleased to see One Health Month giving people the opportunity to tell […]
For One Health Awareness Month: Resources for One Health Education
The term “One Health” refers to how the health of people, animals, and their shared environment are interdependent. Despite the importance of this multidisciplinary view, it is rarely applied to education standards across the globe. Why is one health education important? What resources are available? “One Health” is not necessarily a new concept, but it […]
What Makes A Disease “Rare”?
A topic that ignites controversy in the zoonotic disease community is the “rare disease” designation. This designation rings false for diseases that seem underdiagnosed, or where there are peer-reviewed publications indicating underdiagnosis. It can seem like yet more evidence that a condition is ignored. However, the rare disease designation also aims to turn that around […]
What are the “Pros” of Probiotics?
Emerging metagenomic research increasingly shows the clinical importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. However, this can be challenging for patients who are managing chronic vector-borne infections with long-term antibiotic regimens. Physicians will often recommend probiotics that may help alleviate unwanted side effects, but what are they? And how do they work? Probiotics are described […]
Bartonella and Blood: Infection of Erythrocytes
Bartonella species are notoriously difficult to detect when testing patient blood specimens. The bacteria use immunosuppression as a tactic to avoid immune recognition, so serology tests that detect antibodies can be negative even during a long-standing infection. Furthermore, the bacteria move in and out of the blood in a relapsing pattern. Therefore, a PCR test […]