Understanding the importance of the microbiome has upended traditional thoughts about the treatment of disease. For example, treatments of autoimmune diseases that adversely affect the microbiome are being rethought. The majority of cells in the human body—cells that don’t have human DNA—are getting a new level of respect. What are metabolites? Despite being so different […]
“Herxing”: Why does it occur?
The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR), or “herxing”, was first described by physicians in the late 1800s. Patients who experience this phenomenon report an increase in non-specific symptoms shortly following initiation of antibiotic treatment. These symptoms include chills, fever, headache, and/or intensification of skin rashes. Despite being described more than a century ago, it is still difficult […]
Keep an “Eye” Out for Bartonella Infections
Patients with Bartonella species infection (bartonellosis) complain of a variety of nonspecific vision problems that can affect every function of the eye. Making diagnosis and treatment decisions even more difficult, these problems can be caused by a variety of other pathogens and diseases. Fortunately, many peer-reviewed case publications, especially in ophthalmology journals, are available that […]
Bartonellosis: An Occupational Risk for Veterinary Workers
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), veterinary workers ranked second in incidence rates for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2016. Workers who are frequently exposed to domestic and/or wild animals are at the highest risk for acquiring zoonotic pathogens, especially Bartonella species. Bartonellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by […]
Could Bacteria Cause Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease was first described in the early 1700s, but its exact cause is still unknown. It is an immune system dysregulation that is most commonly characterized by inflammation of the ileum (the final and longest part of the small intestine). However, inflammation and damage can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal system as […]
Bartonella and the Brain
People with vector-borne infections often report a variety of symptoms that originate in the central nervous system. How can all of these different pathogens have so many symptoms that overlap? As Galaxy Diagnostics president and CEO Amanda Elam wrote in her 10-year reflection, “our bodies are complex biological systems with only a few ways to […]
