Keebler
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- C'est Magnifique! Merci Beaucoup. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
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- Everyone, when you see a good article about herbs, it's good to copy and paste not only the title and link but the entire text to your word page.
Some of these links disappear seemingly overnight. This is one that should be saved in case it's not accessible. Remember, any medical claims are not allowed by the FDA.
One lyme website had to close down to the public just for posting research about garlic's medicinal benefits, even with documentation.
Fortunately, we can find out much about herbs on the web now but I've also seen some fantastic pages disappear.
Wish they would just weed out the real trash, not the gems . . . or leave it to us to do our own proper homework. But since herbs are considered concentrated food and cannot make any medical claims, it's not always easy to become an educated consumer. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Wow, this research compilation couldn't have been posted at a better time. I am beginning to understand what my doctor is trying to do. I was wondering if her approach was doing anything as I have been feeling yucky after being good for some time, but now I see where she is headed.
Thanks for giving me back my confidence in her abilities.
Posts: 132 | From SE Pa | Registered: May 2006
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Catgirl
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Right on Sparkle! Thanks for posting this!
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
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reposting in case it gets removed for some reason
HerbsForLyme Basic Anti-Biofilm Approach Scroll down for info on biofilm and links
ANTI-BIOFILM PROTOCOL KEYS (Important update to theory - Last Updated: 2/21/12 - Update areas in red)
Humans, as a rule, are a host to various "friendly" bacterias and viruses. We carry them around with us in tissues and biofilms and they normally exist in balance within our bodies. Although more research is needed as to everything we get from this arrangement, we know that:
We need their enzymes for various body processes
They communicate with the immune system They prevent growth of harmful species They regulate the development of the gut They produce vitamins (such as biotin and vitamin K) They ferment unused energy substrates They produce needed hormones They assist us in the biofilms in the gut, respiratory system, urinary tract, mucus membranes of the reproductive tract.
Is it realistic or even possible to try and remove all biofilm from the body, when we have always hosted biofilm communities? No, because we are designed to live in harmony with one another, unless infection and other problems create an imbalance. Humans are "symbiotes" with various organisms.
It is when Lyme Disease and co-infections and strong antibiotics enter the picture that the normal, symbiotic biofilm arrangement in the body can most likely be tipped over the edge into more pathogenic ("bad") biofilm communities.
Is it possible that the good guy, friendly biofilms can be "brought to the dark side," and go from good to pathogenic? We think this is certainly possible, particularly in chronic illness, and especially in the theory of "Pleomorphism."
Pleomorphists believe that internal microorganisms can change from avirulent, benign forms into a potentially virulent, pathogenic, forms." Click for article and reference. The goal then, is to re-establish the healthy balance and symbiotic relationship to the natural biofilm and organisms in the body.
Think of it this way: When you are healthy, your body exists as a balanced series of communities of human cells carrying thousands of species of organisms that help you and one another survive. When you begin to kill off these species, especially with toxic chemicals like antibiotics, they will in effect fight back to survive, turning against the host or one another in chronic disease.
Our sample Lyme Disease protocols integrate the following biofilm protocol items, outlined below, to address pathogenic biofilm:
1. Systemic (proteolytic and mucolytic) enzymes (degrade sugars, proteins, and mucus-like slime in biofilm). Besides being listed in the protocol charts, more of these enzymes are found in the "Products to Degrade Biofilms" or the "Proteolytic Enzymes" categories. Systemic enzymes enter the circulatory systems and GI tract. 2. Fulvic acid (addresses minerals and metals in biofilm).*
3. Disodium EDTA (chelates minerals in biofilm and calcium shells from nanoparticles). The only EDTA we use is combined in a controlled dose in the products like Interfase Plus. We don't supply high dose single EDTA products, because at high doses it can be dangerous to mobilize a toxic metal load and it can overwhelm you as a result of its incorrect use. Be careful with your use of this, even via a doctor, and always use binders with it.*
4. Lactoferrin (binds to iron, depriving biofilm matrix of this essential mineral). Use 100% Lactoferrin (meaning the single supplement). Practitioners suggest buying the 250 mg. capsules, using brands like Symbiotics, Jarrow, or another single high quality lactoferrin supplement.) START THE DOSE AT 125 MG OR LESS, as severe Herx. can result if you use too high a dose to start. Slowly work up the dose to a manageable one over a period of weeks. (Get some empty capsules, and measure out doses.) We can't stress enough the importance of going slowly.
5. cis-2-decenoic acid, contained in Royal Jelly or other sources (acts as a dispersant to dissolve protein, nucleic acids, polysaccharides.) Be sure you take a high quality product, as mold has been detected in some products sold on the internet. 6. Targeted and broad spectrum Antimicrobials that cross the blood/brain barrier (address pathogens that reside in biofilm).
7. Bile stimulants, resins, charcoal (assist to release and bind neurotoxins that find their way into the biliary tree and GI tract after biofilm breakdown and reduces their massive re-uptake and recirculation).
8. Buffers and Alkaline pH products, like buffered Vitamin C (buffers stabilize the pH and neutralize the neurotoxic acid load that results from the die off of pathogens and the disease state. Alkaline pH products and foods create a more alkaline interior milieu during healing protocols).
9. Berberine (natural solvent that blocks the ability of biofilms to stick to epithelial tissue and fibronectin in the body, interferes with biofilm formation, inhibits metabolism of bacteria).
10. Curcumin / Turmeric - at higher levels or concentration (supports liver, breaks down mineralizations, assists in musculoskeletal pain support, enhances immunity).
11. Cell Permeability items (allows for the absorption of fat-soluble antimicrobials and other supplements, maintains integrity of cell membranes - like EFAs, MSM, phospholipids, etc.). MSM, for instance, enhances the cell wall's ability to absorb nutrients, but also appears to inhibit the "stickiness" of pathogens to surfaces. ("Fat soluble" means that the product needs fat to be able to be absorbed. Some items easily absorb through water, but others need fats.)
Note: Lipids are part of biofilms - it is still to be proven if dietary lipids or essential fatty acids are recruited to be a part of the biofilm or if they are nutrients for it. (Lipids include dietary fats, like fats in meats and cheese, etc., along with essential fatty acids). Some doctors feel that lipids feed the pathogens and biofilm, while others disagree and recommend liposomal (made with fats) drinks and supplements, along with coconut oil, fish oils, etc.
Our protocols include some essential fatty acids. If you are concerned about this, take MSM or another item instead to increase cellular permeability of fat soluble nutrients. 12. Toxin Binders (bind to neurotoxins and metals to reduce their recirculation). 13. Fiber (sweeps the colon to absorb and bind toxins and metals and assist in elimination; supports colonization of healthy microflora in the gut).
14. MSM (natural solvent that at the correct dose interferes with the adhesion of biofilms to surfaces; makes cell membranes more permeable to nutrients.) Build your dose of MSM slowly, as MSM may mobilize metals that needing binding. With higher doses of MSM, be sure to use binders.
15. Herbs with Detergent Action (some herbs have a detergent action to disrupt the outer cell membrane of the spirochete and possibly the biofilm.) Items like Golden Seal (berberine is derived from goldenseal, oregon grape, and other sources), Grapefruit Seed Extract*, balmony, black currant, soapwort, and walnut have a detergent-like action. Other natural detergent chemicals found in plants include: PALMITIC-ACID, PALMITOLEIC-ACID, RICINOLEIC-ACID
(*Commercially made Grapefruit Seed Extracts have been the subject of controversy due to reports that they may contain chemical preservatives and chemicals like benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, and various parabens. Be sure that your GSE is safe if you are taking that product or take a different broad spectrum anti-microbial.) Our protocols don't include GSE, and you should know that liquid GSE tastes very bitter and detergent like, making it very unpleasant and caustic to swallow, unless the product is encapsulated.)
18. Essential Plant Oils (chemicals in many volatile oils disrupt the biofilm, inhibit the "quorum sensing" ability of the colony, and turn off the biofilm's pump system.) This is why Biocidin Advanced liquid formula is at the foundation of our early protocols, because it includes essential plant oils.
*Special note: If you are using metal "mobilizer" products that have been recommended by your doctor, you must be certain to bind these mobilized metals, because you can create damage by recirculating released metals.
Regarding the use of Xylitol - Be careful with oral Xylitol and start the dose very low, as it can cause considerable upset and painful bloating in the stomach and GI tract. Use binders, antimicrobials, and other essential items if you try it. (Topical Xylitol has been proven to be effective in preventing skin wound biofilm, especially in diabetic skin conditions.)
Additions: 1. Herxheimer Support products. You will Herx., when you use healing protocols. You will Herx. when you use enzymes and essential oils at the correct doses. Herx. support products are recommended if you experience uncomfortable symptoms of die off. Pathogens in the blood, like free floating planktonic cells, will cause more acute, immediate Herx. response, while biofilm-related Herx. may start 5-10 days later (as you degrade more of the biofilm with enzymes and lactoferrin).
2. Diet rich in alkaline foods and supplements (prevents an overly acidic milieu, including Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, Malic Acid, Buffered C, Alfalfa, green drinks, etc.). When the biofilm is first being addressed, the milieu is acid, and more conducive to eliminating pathogenic biofilm.
3. Anti-Inflammatory items (mitigates the damage to tissues, lowers cytokine storm and Herx. reaction). 4. Immune Support items (modulates immune response and encourage the activity of NK cells).
Adjust your diet. Reduce processed carbs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and too much sugar in the diet, even Stevia, as glucose (and mannose) appear to be nutrients for spirochetes as well as biofilm. If you have significant biofilm problems, expect to adhere to an antibiofilm diet for a number of years. To "Starve or Not to Starve" the biofilm of possible nutrients? Here is an interesting update, from the Montana State University Biofilm Research team:
"A biofilm contains a vast array of different metabolic niches which vary in oxygen concentration, nutrient and ionic concentrations as well as concentrations of waste materials. Cells within the biofilm matrix vary in growth rate from actively growing to essentially dormant.
"Presumably, in every biofilm, there are niches in which certain cells are metabolically quiescent (quiet, in the resting phase) due to nutrient deprivation. Nutrient limitation, whether it be in a stationary phase culture or in the depths of a biofilm, may increase resistance by reducing metabolic activity. These cells, having fewer metabolic points of attack, are less susceptible to the action of antimetabolites like antibiotics and disinfectants." 1 Montana State University, The Biofilms Hypertextbook
So, should you starve or not starve the biofilm? If you try to starve the biofilm and planktonic (free floating) cells of dietary nutrients, will you theoretically contribute to dormant, resting phases of bacteria located deeper in the biofilm that are more resistant to antibiotics and antimicrobials? Until we know more, most natural practitioners advise limiting sugar intake in its various food forms, as well as suggest other dietary restrictions.
It is thought that free floating, planktonic cells utilize nutrients at a much higher rate than those inside the biofilm. With planktonic cells metabolizing at a high rate, and cells deeper in the biofilm metabolizing at a much lower rate, then "This reduced metabolic activity may result in these cells ingesting less of an antimicrobial agent than cells with a higher metabolic rate in a planktonic state, resulting in less susceptibility to antimicrobials."
Remember: If you take mineral supplements like selenium, zinc, and molybdenum (for brain fog), take them hours away from EDTA and Fulvic Acid. Avoid taking calcium, magnesium or iron unless you are in a deficient state. These minerals support the biofilm.
How to Take Products - Optimal Timing: 1. Take Systemic Enzymes & chelators 30 mins before antimicrobials (and also away from food, preferably on empty stomach). 2. Take Buffers 60 min after the antimicrobials, (away from food, preferably on empty stomach).
How often do I use the biofilm protocol? - It can be followed 1x day ~ 3x a day. Aim for at least 2x per day. You will see biofilm products listed 3x per day in our sample protocols. Pace yourself if you are unable to handle Herx. reactions, and add Herx. support products if needed. Acute Lyme Disease: 3x per day. Chronic Lyme Disease: 1x-3x per day.
Herxheimer Reactions: - Expect to Herx. while taking systemic enzymes and essential oil products. Degrading pathogenic biofilm is a slow, steady attempt, so build items into your protocol slowly.
How long do I stay on the biofilm protocol? - Most biofilm protocols last from 3-6 months, so try and aim for at least 4 months. - For minor-moderate yeast overgrowth due to biofilms in the gut, Syntol is now available, and a course of 1-3 months is suggested per the manufacturer. Purchase two bottles to start.
How long do I stay on Lyme Disease protocols? - For Lyme Disease, realistically expect to be on a healing protocol for 8 months to a year or more, depending on your condition and infections, compliance to the protocol, and whether your condition is acute or chronic. This does not mean you stay on high dose systemic enzymes the entire time. Use systemic enzymes in the earlier phases of the protocol, then cycle off the frequent dose.
Why not stay on systemic enzymes to degrade biofilm for very extended periods of time? - The answers are not all in at this time (2012). Approaching biofilm illness is new territory to researchers. They simply don't know the long term, high dose, enzyme impact to healthy biofilm, and how or if it may create a problem.
It is best to perhaps cycle off the heavy hitter systemic enzymes after 5-6 months to allow healthier biofilm thrive. Some manufacturers suggest using intensive systemic enzymes (for the elimination of biofilm) for up to 6 months before discontinuation.
Feed healthy biofilm in the gut with FOS/ probiotics that include FOS, and fiber. Prevent and address small intestine biofilm (one symptom is IBS) with good quality probiotics. Look into taking extra bacillus (TruFlora) along with your regular probiotic.
Proteolytic (degrades protein) and mucolytic (degrades mucous) enzymes help remove elements in the biofilm layer that protects and houses Lyme bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, nanobacteria and certain other biofilm-producing pathogens.
As you degrade the biofilm, its contents will "spill" into your system - that is why several items are used to eradicate biofilm, pathogens, metals, etc. It's also best to also take Berberine and/or MSM at correct doses to prevent biofilms from re-adhering to other surfaces as the biofilm gets degraded by the enzymes - they will simply recolonize and reattach otherwise.
However, once the biofilm is destabilized in one location (by incapacitating one of the organisms within the biofilm), the biofilm itself in that location becomes compromised.
As of 2011, it has been shown that younger biofilm can be destabilized with enzymes and other agents. Once it becomes significantly destabilized, the whole organism in that location will collapse and not thrive. Remember, when you destabilize biofilm, living organisms will "spill" into the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.
ALWAYS take antimicrobials and binders when you are destabilizing pathogenic biofilm. "Younger" biofilm indicates biofilm that is not chronic and calcified. Younger biofilm is fluid like, while old traces of biofilm can become hardened.
Strong proteolytics like PRX, Neprinol, CDX, Interfase, Interfase Plus (w/EDTA), Syntol, Serrapeptidase and Lumbrokinase help to discourage the formation of biofilms, as well as degrade their protein and mucus components, allowing immune cells and antimicrobials to be more effective. (CDX, Interfase and Syntol products primarily target biofilms in the gut, but they are still considered systemic enzymes.)
- Our protocols contain enzyme products with lower doses of EDTA. (Higher levels of EDTA will accomplish more in a shorter period of time, but higher doses must be taken with extreme care and adherence to the other items.)
Is there a magic bullet enzyme? It has been suggested that using combination formulas containing different systemic enzymes may be more effective than using a single enzyme. Single proteolytics include Lumbrokinase, Nattokinase, Serratiopeptidase (Serrapeptase), bromelain, etc. Combination formulas include several of these proteolytics along with those that degrade mucus. Neprinol and PRX are combination products, for example.
Until we know more about the ways pathogenic biofilm can be undermined and prevented, it is a good idea to switch up not only your enzymes, but your antimicrobials. This is why we suggest you juggle combinations of items and switch out and rotate them, and even introducing new products at different points in your healing.
Search the "Products to Degrade Biofilms" or the "Proteolytic Enzymes" categories to select an enzyme product to degrade the biofilm.
Search metal detox agents under "Metal Detox Products."
Nanoparticles and the possible role in tick disease protocols: To take protocols to the next level, we should consider the role of "nanoparticles." A contributing element in biofilms is the development of mineral shells, creating hard crystallizations.
Calcium in the biofilm is converted to the mineral carbonate apatite, and the calcifications build up, ultimately contributing to diseases and conditions that are linked to tick disease, like MS, cardiac problems, arthritis, brain fog, and more.
Crystals seem to be slower growing than pathogens. In marine biofilms, these hard shells often do not contain larger, live organisms (think vacant barnacles on the hull of a ship). In the body, crystallizations can continue to build upon themselves, opening the possibility of causing chronic problems.
See the "Mineral Buster" category under the Biofilm Products section to select items to address the calcifications.
Click on the Biofilm Products category to order items to degrade and handle biofilms.
Lyme spirochetes are found to aggregate (gather) in biofilms. Until 2009, protocols focused on eradicating individual pathogens, with little attention paid to biofilms. Especially in chronic infections, newer protocols address biofilm as a colony of different organisms with a defensive barrier.
Organisms are seen in various tissues and blood in various forms and growth phases, meaning the organisms are not always strictly limited to the locations of the biofilm. They can also live outside of it. This is why our protocols address pathogens throughout the body, including blood stream, joints, nerve tissue, brain, and biofilm.
Within the protective barrier of biofilms, pathogens aggregate and multiply, greatly increasing virulence. Enzymes and other agents are recommended in Tick Disease protocols to degrade and destabilize the pathogenic biofilm "slime" organism/layer.
Do organisms live outside the biofilm or are they all inside the biofilm? No, they can also live outside the biofilm, too. They will seek out and signal one another, however, to accumulate in biofilm.
How do pathogens move to other areas of the body? Single pathogens can migrate outside the biofilm - they go in and out of the colony. Also, biofilm can fragment and the fragment can float to other areas and attach elsewhere, carrying a small part of the colony to a new location.
Not only does biofilm fragment, it also relocates via "rolling, streaming, and rippling." Biofilm can also "disperse seeds," meaning the biofilm can release single pathogens (planktonic cells) into the bloodstream and surrounding areas. http://www.cs.montana.edu/ross/personal/intro-biofilms-s4.htm
What are Biofilms? A biofilm is a multicellular colony of multiple species of microorganisms and extracellular materials (materials outside of cells) that stick to one another or a surface. In some camps, biofilms are referred to as "slime," although when viewed with a microscope, fibers are present. The growth and proliferation of disease causing pathogens depends on biofilm. Although not all bacteria form biofilm, Lyme spirochetes are shown to aggregate within them.
Biofilms act like an intelligent community of pathogens, and pathogens that are embedded within them appear to use and have access to: 1. A signaling communication system. 2. A pump system to transport internal and external fluids and solids and a network of channels to transport them. 3. Quorum sensing (messaging) ability.
Read the following biofilm protocol keys.
BIOFILMS FORM A PROTECTIVE BARRIER AGAINST ANTIBIOTICS...or NOT? "Biofilms possess a remarkable resistance to antibiotics sometimes more than 1000 times that of planktonic (free-floating) cells. Although the cause of this resistance is still under intensive investigation, several mechanisms of resistance have been advanced."2
Failure of the Antimicrobic to Penetrate the Biofilm Matrix "In the early history of biofilm research, this was a favored hypothesis. However, research by a number of investigators showed that in most cases, antibiotics readily penetrate to the substratum surface. Except in specific circumstances, lack of penetration is not considered a significant contributor to antimicrobic resistance."3
It used to be thought that the slimy matrix prevented antibiotic penetration, and while deep penetration is limited, there are some startling defense mechanisms that help biofilms stay alive:
1. Degradation of the Antimicrobial, Antibiotic Agent "Microbial enzymes may degrade the antibiotic or disinfectant, as they penetrate the biofilm. The degradation of penicillin by the enzyme penicillinase (β-lactamase), or the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by catalase are examples."4 2. Quiescence - Dormancy - Phase of Growth We have already discussed this mechanism in the information above this section, "To starve or not to starve the biofilm?" Here is a snipet again: "Nutrient limitation, whether it be in stationary phase culture or in the depths of a biofilm, may increase resistance by reducing metabolic activity. These cells, having fewer metabolic points of attack, are less susceptible to the action of antimetabolites like antibiotics and disinfectants."5 Dormant, early growth phase cells, and those cells deep within the biofilm (as opposed to those located more toward its surface) are less able to be easily eradicated.
3. Bacterial ability to morph "Within moments of the time a bacterial cell adheres to a surface it undergoes a remarkable change. Many genes are repressed and others are induced to the sum amounting to as much as 40 percent of the total bacterial genome. Many of the newly synthesized proteins play a role in antimicrobic resistance. Some constitute efflux pumps capable of excreting antibiotics at a rate that keeps the concentration below lethal levels."6 What this means is that bacterial cells can change, resulting in becoming resistant to antibiotics. They can also pump out and get rid of chemicals and things they know to be toxic - ie, antibiotics.
4. Persister Cells & Neutralizer Cells Groups of free floating cells (nearby, but outside of the biofilm) neutralize the effect of antibiotics and antimicrobials, creating slow or incomplete penetration. These neutralizing cells get to work and spawn free floating "persister cells" that are protected from antibiotics and thereby resistant to them. However, outside of the biofilm, persisters can be attacked by immune cells and pedator protozoa.
"Following exposure to an antimicrobic which kills much of the biofilm, these persisters reactivate by producing antitoxin proteins that inactivate the toxins and permit resumption of metabolic activity and growth."7 What this means is that persister cells, in effect, produce their own "anti-venom antidote" chemicals. *References: 2-7, Montana State University, The Biofilms Hypertextbook
Persister cells can also patrol the area around the biofilm, acting like sentries to signal the community when antimicrobial chemicals are detected and recognized nearby. By communicating the threat, the persister cells protect the live colony. Pathogens outside the colony can then retreat into the protective matrix of the biofilm, safe from antibiotics and the immune cells, while free floating neutralizer cells release substances around the biofilm that make antibiotics less effective.
The persisters become adept at identifying chemicals that could cause a threat. Although persister cells can be killed by immune cells, once back inside the biofilm they are protected. (This is why combination formulas are used in our protocols and why antimicrobials are juggled and switched out.)
This proliferation of these kinds of protector cells happens when the cells sense the presence of antibiotics and antimicrobials. Once the antibiotic is taken out of the system, the cells once again become susceptible to antimicrobials. (Current (2012) antibiotics target the more unprotected, surface-living cells, so newer research is being done to develop more antibiotics to target cells situated deeper within the biofilm.)
It has been suggested in some schools of thought that pathogenic biofilms are difficult to eradicate if the antibiotic is not administered effectively or correctly. The highly sticky, protective barrier prevents deeper penetration of antibiotics, however the above research shows that more superficial penenetration is accomplished.
DIFFERENCES IN DNA A remarkable discovery was made showing differences in DNA of planktonic cells (free floating outside of the biofilm) vs. the same species of biofilm-protected cells. "The (gene expressions) are strikingly different, telling us that the planktonic and biofilm forms of a single species are expressing different genes, and therefore carrying out different activities.
"So what? Beyond the intellectual interest this holds for biofilm scientists and engineers, what practical use does this knowledge have? One example is in the development of antibiotics. These drugs traditionally have been developed to kill planktonic bacteria (outside the biofilm) under the assumption that they would kill the same bacteria wherever they were found. We now know, however, that:"
Planktonic bacteria are more susceptible to antimicrobial chemicals designed to kill them than are biofilm bacteria, and Many of the infections plaguing humans are actually caused by bacteria in the biofilm mode of growth, not the planktonic mode of growth
"Put these two things together with the fact that traditional antibiotics have been designed for and tested on bacterial cells in their relatively unprotected, planktonic state and we can begin to understand why it is that antibiotics don't work well on these same bacteria when they exist in a biofilm--the same bacterium is different in the biofilm state than in the planktonic state for which the antibiotic was designed and tested!" 8 Reference: Montana State University, Hypertextbook
MULTIPLE SPECIES Biofilms are composed of multiple species and different types of pathogens. This is called "polymicrobial." Expect that biofilm can house thousands of different species of bacteria, different viruses, parasites, and fungi. The pathogens aggregate together, then signal one another to secrete the sticky, protective matrix and express proteins.
As biofilms stick to your tissues, inflammation and tissue damage occur. Along with this, Lyme spirochetes and other pathogens release toxic substances. In addition, it has been demonstrated in vitro that the body's immune defense cells contribute to inflammation and damage.
"The failure of these phagocytic neutrophiles and macrophages to penetrate the EPS (biofilm) matrix, and clear the biofilm infection may result in what some refer to a frustrated phagocytosis (Costerton et al. 1999).
"The phagocytic cells frequently lyse (its cell wall dissolves), releasing a shower of pharmacologically active compounds, including hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, hypochlorous acid and nitric oxide. These compounds, though toxic to planktonic cells, and cells enclosed in lysosomes, have much less effect on cells enclosed in biofilms.
These compounds do however cause inflammation in normal tissue leading to the speculation that much of the damage caused by biofilms is due to the hosts inflammatory response to the infection rather than to the biofilm infection itself. 9 Montana State University, The Biofilms Hypertextbook
Multiple species carry out communication and release enzymes to disperse pathogens and spread. Since ticks definitely transmit multiple species, your infections may include ones that are bacterial, mold/fungal, protozoan, filarial (worms) and viral. Add to this fungal conditions like Candida, that form in the gut and any prior pathogens you may have been carrying before your illness.
THE MATRIX The biofilm forms a matrix - a lattice like structure. The matrix attracts free floating pathogens and recruits them into the colony.
The matrix is rich in sugars, called extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Biofilms are adhesive and protect pathogens from the body's immune system. Biofilms are both fluid and solid in structure. In addition to polymers, it is composed of extracellular DNA, proteins that are expressed by the pathogens, polysaccharides, metals, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron, and yeasts.
The different pathogens in the biofilm can feed one another - what is waste to some pathogens may be nutrients for the other - hence, their inter-dependence.
FRAGMENTATION Once the biofilm reaches certain dimensional depths, it can grow "towers." Parts of the biofilm can then fragment and break apart, and at the fragmentation site, large numbers of free floating pathogens are released, allowing for the spread of biofilm to new surfaces as well as spread and proliferation of pioneer pathogen cells.
ANTIBIOTICS AND BIOFILM Several factors affect the growth of biofilms - pH, nutrients available, physical and chemical characteristics of its surface, where it is located, numbers of pathogens present, and whether pathogens can live on their own outside of it.
J. William Costerton is a world leader in the field of biofilm research, having published close to 600 papers on this topic by the year 2011. "One of Costerton's scientific breakthroughs came in 1999 when he discovered that biofilms damage tissues primarily by triggering inflammation. He suggested an innovative approach to treating chronic diseases by using immune modulators* instead of antibiotics. He says that the antibiotics that have been designed to kill free-floating bacterial cells work poorly against cells growing in slime-enclosed biofilms.
"So the strategy has changed from killing the bacteria, which creates an antibiotic resistance, to instead getting the bacteria to stop making toxins or to leave their protected slime caves and take their chances with the body's defenses." Click for reference
*This is why Immune Modulators like Transfer Factor, Samento, TOA-Free Cat's Claw, Cat's Claw, Colostrum, and other immune modulators are included in our protocols. In a differing point of view regarding antibiotic use, the Marshall Protocol (MP)*, which addresses chronic illness, suggests that antibiotics are effective against biofilm, but only if the specific antibiotic used has been shown to be effective in biofilm illness, and if it is employed in a specific therapeutic way: Very low dose, pulsed, and administered over long periods of time.
MP suggests that high dose, short term antibiotics contribute to multiplication of antibiotic resistant persister cells and do not effectively remove biofilm. Click for 2008 reference
*Please note that we are neither for or against the Marshall Protocol. We still don't like long term antibiotic use at this point (2012), bc we feel it contributes to biofilm virulence. MP is still seen as controversial in many circles. In the future, newer antibiotics will be developed that address biofilm.
Based on this, it seems crucial that the right antibiotics are administered effectively. It possibly demonstrates one reason why blasting the body with short term, high levels of antibiotics doesn't always eliminate Lyme Disease or biofilm illness. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3132871/
Biofilm is regarded as a living, "thinking" organism, one with defense mechanisms, rather than simply a slimy structure under which individual organisms can hide. This organism differentiates itself into several functions - it is regarded as a body unto itself that must be recognized and addressed. "Once a large group (of pathogens) congregates, complex features of biofilms begin to emerge. The bacteria leave room for nutrient rivers to flow between them.
The bacteria differentiate. Some are the powerhouses and some are the waste removers. Biofilms have all of the characteristics of tissues or organs, or even animals. A complex, multicellular organism emerges from a mass of undifferentiated precursors. Biofilms are organisms unto themselves."
Click for Reference Over time, biofilm can change from a slimy, sticky, elastic substance to a brittle solid. An example of this phenomenon is calculus (hardened plaque) on a tooth. This is why "Mineral Busters" are added to the biofilm protocol to attempt to prevent these calcifications.
Biofilms and Implants - It has been discovered that biofilm can form in the tissues around medical devices like catheters, implants like spinal implants, dental, plastic surgery types, including breast implants, cheek, chin, and orthopedic implants like hip replacement and prosthetic limbs.
Biofilms play a role in chronic disease. Common chronic illnesses like Endocarditis, Urinary Tract Infections, bone infections, and Cystic Fibrosis involve biofilm.
Go to the homepage for two Lyme Videos on the right side of the page.
Biofilm Articles and Research
* Understanding Biofilm, by Amy Proal, Bacteriality.com1 * Interview with Dr. Randall Wolcott, bacterial biofilm wound specialist, by Amy Proal, Bacteriality.com * Biofilm research from Montana State University's Center for Biofilm Engineering * Click here for a 2010 YouTube video describing biofilms. * Eye opening article on Biofilms * Biofilm info from Center for Genome Science ; http://centerforgenomicsciences.org/research/images/bio_01_large.jpg * June 2001 - Can Viruses Form Biofilm? * 2009 Biofilm video explanation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUcMGktSc7c Featuring Dr. Vincent Fischetti. * 2010 Video explaining biofilm: http://youtu.be/3eQhNyX7DRQ Featuring Dr. Tim Lu.
Bib: 1. Amy Proal's Reference List for Understanding Biofilm Article, above: REFERENCES
Costerton, J. W., Stewart, P. S., & Greenberg, E. P. (1999). Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections. Science (New York, N.Y.), 284(5418), 1318-22. [↩] [↩] [↩] [↩] Higgins, D. A., Pomianek, M. E., Kraml, C. M., Taylor, R. K., Semmelhack, M. F., & Bassler, B. L. (2007). The major Vibrio cholerae autoinducer and its role in virulence factor production. Nature, 450(7171), 883-6. [↩] Singh, P. K., Schaefer, A. L., Parsek, M. R., Moninger, T. O., Welsh, M. J., & Greenberg, E. P. (2000). Quorum-sensing signals indicate that cystic fibrosis lungs are infected with bacterial biofilms. Nature, 407(6805), 762-4. [↩] [↩] Stoodley, P., Purevdorj-Gage, B., & Costerton, J. W. (2005). Clinical significance of seeding dispersal in biofilms: a response. Microbiology, 151(11), 3453. [↩] O�toole, G. A., & Kolter, R. (1998). Flagellar and Twitching Motility Are Necessary for Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm Development. Molecular Microbiology, 30(2), 295-304. [↩] Cho, H., J�nsson, H., Campbell, K., Melke, P., Williams, J. W., Jedynak, B., et al. (2007). Self-Organization in High-Density Bacterial Colonies: Efficient Crowd Control. PLoS Biology, 5(11), e302 EP -. [↩] [↩] Brockhurst, M. A., Hochberg, M. E., Bell, T., & Buckling, A. (2006). Character displacement promotes cooperation in bacterial biofilms. Current biology: CB, 16(20), 2030-4. [↩] Parsek, M. R., & Singh, P. K. (2003). Bacterial biofilms: an emerging link to disease pathogenesis. Annual review of microbiology, 57, 677-701. [↩] Kraigsley, A., Ronney, P., & Finkel, S. Hydrodynamic effects on biofilm formation. Retrieved May 28, 2008. [↩] Hall-Stoodley, L., Costerton, J. W., & Stoodley, P. (2004). Bacterial biofilms: from the Natural environment to infectious diseases. Nat Rev Micro, 2(2), 95-108. [↩] [↩] [↩] Lewis, K. (2001). Riddle of biofilm resistance. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 45(4), 999-1007. [↩] [↩] Parsek, M. R., & Singh, P. K. (2003). Bacterial biofilms: an emerging link to disease pathogenesis.Annual review of microbiology, 57, 677-701. [↩] Trampuz, A., Piper, K. E., Jacobson, M. J., Hanssen, A. D., Unni, K. K., Osmon, D. R., et al. (2007). Sonication of Removed Hip and Knee Prostheses for Diagnosis of Infection. N Engl J Med, 357(7), 654-663. [↩] Ristow, P., Bourhy, P., Kerneis, S., Schmitt, C., Prevost, M., Lilenbaum, W., et al. (2008). Biofilm formation by saprophytic and pathogenic leptospires. Microbiology, 154(5), 1309-1317. [↩] Moreau-Marquis, S., Stanton, B. A., & O�Toole, G. A. (2008). Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in the cystic fibrosis airway. Pulmonary pharmacology & therapeutics. [↩] Hall-Stoodley, L., Hu, F. Z., Gieseke, A., Nistico, L., Nguyen, D., Hayes, J., et al. (2006). Direct Detection of Bacterial Biofilms on the Middle-Ear Mucosa of Children With Chronic Otitis Media. JAMA, 296(2), 202-211. [↩] Imamura, Y., Chandra, J., Mukherjee, P. K., Lattif, A. A., Szczotka-Flynn, L. B., Pearlman, E., et al. (2008). Fusarium and Candida albicans Biofilms on Soft Contact Lenses: Model Development, Influence of Lens Type, and Susceptibility to Lens Care Solutions. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 52(1), 171-182. [↩] James, G. A., Swogger, E., Wolcott, R., Pulcini, E. D., Secor, P., Sestrich, J., et al. (2008). Biofilms in Chronic Wounds. Wound Repair and Regeneration,16(1), 37-44. [↩] Marshall, T. G. (2006b). A New Approach to Treating Intraphagocytic CWD Bacterial Pathogens in Sarcoidosis, CFS, Lyme and other Inflammatory Diseases. [↩] [↩] Marshall, T. G., & Marshall, F. E. (2004). Sarcoidosis succumbs to antibiotics�implications for autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity reviews, 3(4), 295-300. [↩] [↩] Sr, G. J. D., & Woody, H. B. (1997). Bacterial persistence and expression of disease. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 10(2). [↩] Marshall, T. G. (2007). Bacterial Capnine Blocks Transcription of Human Antimicrobial Peptides. Nature Precedings. [↩] Morrison, H. I., Ellison, L. F., & Taylor, G. W. (1999). Periodontal disease and risk of fatal coronary heart and cerebrovascular diseases. Journal of cardiovascular risk, 6(1), 7-11. [↩] Stewart, R., & Hirani, V. (2007). Dental Health and Cognitive Impairment in an English National Survey Population. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 55(9), 1410-1414. [↩] Falkinham Iii, J. O., Iseman, M. D., Haas, P. D., & Soolingen, D. V. (2008). Mycobacterium avium in a shower linked to pulmonary disease. Journal of water and health, 6(2), 209-13. [↩] Lewis, K. (2001). Riddle of biofilm resistance. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 45(4), 999-1007. [↩] Starner, Timothy D et al. 2008. Subinhibitory Concentrations of Azithromycin Decrease Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Biofilm Formation and Diminish Established Biofilms. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy 52(1):137-45. [↩] Cogan, N. G., Cortez, R., & Fauci, L. (2005). Modeling physiological resistance in bacterial biofilms. Bulletin of mathematical biology, 67(4), 831-53. [↩] Marshall, T. G. (2006). VDR Nuclear Receptor Competence is the Key to Recovery from Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disease. [↩]
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sparkle7
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posted
I think the only thing missing is about Auravedic herbs & triphala. I have read a study where triphala was used for dental biofilms with good results. Some people here have used it.
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sparkle7
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While prokaryotes are still commonly imagined to be strictly unicellular, most are capable of forming stable aggregate communities. When such communities are encased in a stabilizing polymer matrix (�slime�), they may be called �biofilms�.
Cells in biofilms often show distinct patterns of gene expression (phenotypic differentiation) in time and space. Also, as with multicellular eukaryotes, these changes in expression appear to often result from cell-to-cell signaling, a phenomenon known as quorum sensing.
Biofilms may be highly heterogeneous and structurally complex and may attach to solid surfaces, or exist at liquid-air interfaces, or potentially even liquid-liquid interfaces. Bacterial biofilms are often made up of microcolonies (approximately dome-shaped masses of bacteria and matrix) separated by �voids� through which the medium (e.g., water) may flow relatively uninhibited.
The microcolonies may join together above the substratum to form a continuous layer, closing the network of channels separating microcolonies.
This structural complexity � combined with observations that oxygen limitation (an ubiquitous challenge for anything growing in size beyond the scale of diffusion) is at least partially eased by movement of medium throughout the biofilm � has led some to speculate that this may constitute a circulatory system [12] and many researchers have started calling prokaryotic communities multicellular (for example [13]).
Differential cell expression, collective behavior, signaling, programmed cell death, and (in some cases) discrete biological dispersal events all seem to point in this direction. However, these colonies are seldom if ever founded by a single founder (in the way that animals and plants are founded by single cells), which presents a number of theoretical issues. Most explanations of co-operation and the evolution of multicellularity have focused on high relatedness between members of a group (or colony, or whole organism).
If a copy of a gene is present in all members of a group, behaviors that promote cooperation between members may permit those members to have (on average) greater fitness than a similar group of selfish individuals[14] (see inclusive fitness and Hamilton's rule).
Should these instances of prokaryotic sociality prove to be the rule rather than the exception, it would have serious implications for the way we view prokaryotes in general and the way we deal with them in medicine.
Bacterial biofilms may be 100 times more resistant to antibiotics than free-living unicells and may be nearly impossible to remove from surfaces once they have colonized them.[15] Other aspects of bacterial cooperation � such as bacterial conjugation and quorum-sensing-mediated pathogenicity � present additional challenges to researchers and medical professionals seeking to treat the associated diseases.
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surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
Thank you, very good read.
Okay- so, I have Klaire Interphase plus- our 'plan' was to take it in the first a.m., follow up hour later with 'killers.' Bolouke afternoon.
However-large realization I am very low iron, and just had my first bone density test, they call today, osteopenia, need to supp calcium 2x a day, I am told.
I am pre-menopause. So, I have to supplement these minerals.
So will I be canceling out all my biofilm work?
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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nefferdun
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Member # 20157
posted
Thanks Sparkle. I bookmarked it and will copy it too.
There is also the low fat vegan diet. Protomyxzoa creates biofilm which multiplies 100 times faster on lipids and arginine.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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