Research shows that the tick species I. scapularis can remain active at temperatures as low as 30.9 degrees Fahrenheit. In moderate winters, the fact is that flea and tick prevention is a year-round need in most of the world. In general, however, exposure is extremely limited when temperatures are consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure […]
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 […]
How Likely is Bartonellosis in Dogs?
Cats receive most of the attention when it comes to Bartonella prevalence and transmission because they are natural carriers of the bacteria. There is even an illness named after how they transmit Bartonella henselae to humans (cat scratch disease or cat scratch fever). However, competent vectors for Bartonella species (insects and arachnids that are able […]
Bartonella vs. Borrelia: Key Differences You Should Know
Bartonella and Lyme Borrelia are easily confused because they are both vector-borne bacteria with similar sounding names and frequently have complex, interrelated roles in chronic illnesses. Patients often believe Bartonella and Borrelia are the same before speaking to us, or they may mistake something they read online about one for the other. In this post, […]
How Do Bartonella Survive in Multiple Species? It’s In Their Genes
Bartonella species are vector-borne zoonotic bacteria. Let’s unpack that. “Vector-borne” means the bacteria can be transferred between hosts via a vector such as a flea. “Zoonotic” means that it can survive in an animal reservoir and then return to humans. The plus side for the Bartonella species, or any other zoonotic bacteria trying to survive […]
