Research on HIV patients in the 1990s revealed the bacterium, Bartonella henselae, as the causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD). These studies also reported patients who developed atypical CSD symptoms, including bacillary peliosis, suggesting that chronic Bartonella species infections (bartonellosis) may lead to impaired liver function in immunosuppressed individuals. Since then, case studies of […]
“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 […]
Parasites and the Immune System
The classic biological definition of parasitism is “a symbiotic relationship where one member, the parasite, gains benefits that come at the expense of the host”. This means only the unwelcome guest gains nutritional and/or protective benefits while the host’s health suffers. However, emerging research indicates low-level infections could be beneficial because of the complex relationship […]
Tick-Borne Infection Risk in Blood Transfusion
The risk of tick-borne infection from blood donation is hotly debated, with very little information available. Certain research studies that may clarify the risk have been done in mice but are not ethical to do in people. Meanwhile, current tests for these infections have low sensitivity and specificity (low accuracy). Consequently, it is difficult to […]
Biofilms: What are they? How do they impact chronic infections?
Chronic infections can persist for various reasons. A weakened host immune system may provide a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive long-term. Likewise, re-infections could take place due to shared habitats between host and vector. The ability for tick-borne pathogens, like Bartonella and Borrelia, to form biofilms is another possibility that clinicians and researchers are […]
What are lymph nodes? How do they respond to a Bartonella species infection?
Lymph nodes have been called the “upper management” of the immune system by journalist Matt Richtel. Some of the more impressive aspects of the immune system, such as the ability to recognize pathogens that may have been encountered years earlier, occur in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are scattered throughout the body. Some are as […]
