In late 2019, Chinese doctors noticed an unusual number of cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS can be caused by a wide variety of issues ranging from pancreatitis to brain injuries to severe pneumonia. The condition went through several layers of scientific description before we reached the point today where it is called […]
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 […]
Celebrate One Health Day on November 3rd
One Health Day will be this Sunday, November 3. Go to the One Health Commission website to find out more about activities that may be in your area. This year, Galaxy Diagnostics is co-sponsoring Louisiana One Health in Action’s Walk-n-Wag on Saturday. One health is an approach that recognizes the relationship between the health of […]
Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt’s Thoughts After the 9th Annual International Bartonella Conference
The International Conference on Bartonella as Emerging Pathogens is an annual 3-day meeting that provides researchers, physicians and veterinarians with updates on the latest Bartonella research from around the world. This year, 22 countries were represented at the National Veterinary School of Alfort in Paris, France from September 18th to September 20th. Galaxy Diagnostics was […]
For Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Occupational Risk and Zoonotic Diseases
When mounted police officer Margie Raimondi developed fatigue and muscle pain after a year on the job, she sought medical help and tested positive for Lyme disease. After treatment she returned to work, but eventually after a fall she could no longer work and applied for workers compensation benefits. People who have an adverse experience […]
Ehrlichiosis: A Tick-borne Illness That Can Imitate Blood-Related Cancers
Ehrlichiosis, or an infection caused by Ehrlichia species, is a tick-borne illness that causes mild to severe symptoms in approximately 1,500 patients per year in the United States and an unspecified number around the world. The nonspecific symptoms of the infection can lead to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, research in North Carolina suggests that testing for Ehrlichia […]