LymeSci: What I learned at ILADS 2016

My new "LymeSci" blog post at LymeDisease.org

LYME SCI: Filling my mind with Lyme knowledge at ILADS 2016

"In November, I had the pleasure of attending the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) conference, in Philadelphia. Its purpose is to give physicians and scientific researchers from around the world a platform to discuss medical literature, current research, and evidence-based treatments. The theme of this year’s conference was “Lyme Disease: An Evolving Paradigm for Chronic Illness.” It was a collaborative effort between ILADS and Drexel University."

Inaccurate Tests for Lyme Disease Are Causing Harm

Faulty Serological Blood Tests for Lyme Disease Are Harming People

While a diagnosis Lyme Disease should be based upon Clinical Symptoms, most Physicians today are requiring a positive blood test before providing treatment. There is significant scientific evidence proving the two-tier blood test for Lyme Disease is inconsistent and inaccurate. Imprecise results are leading to wrongful diagnoses and/or delayed diagnoses, which greatly increases the severity of illness and human suffering. (See: A Negative Lyme Test Doesn't Exclude the Diagnosis of Borreliosis)

Emerging Science In Lyme Disease Testing:

There is some promising news on the horizon for Lyme Disease. Several new tests have been developed within the past year that I will highlight here. (P.S. I will be adding to this page as new information emerges, so please check back)

Lyme is caused by an infection of the Borrelia spirochete (phylum Spirochetaete) and is the most common vector-borne infectious disease in the United States. With over 300,000 Americans being infected annually, Lyme presents a serious public health concern. Unfortunately, the current testing for Lyme does not account for the wide genetic variability or the multiple variant forms of Borrelia. In addition, the level of spirochetes in the blood can run so low that they may be undetectable at the time of testing.