Colloidal silver solution is taken by the patient. Used as early as the 1800s and is currently considered a drug supplement http://www.bio.uni.edu/cei/lyme.html

see in-vitro studies http://www.silvermedicine.org/scientificstudies.html

in-vivo studies against HIV http://www.silverinstitute.org/news/4b01.html

nail in the coffin
read LETTER: COLLOIDAL SILVER IN PERSPECTIVE http://www.gaiaresearch.co.za/silver2.html

Anecdote and opinion follows.

Silver is great in very short-term applications (in combination with some other substances) for Lyme, but it is only one of the 100 things one needs to do to get at Lyme and the inherent infections. It needs the closest supervision by a doctor who undersands metal toxicity! Then it becomes a neurotoxin and is even harder to remove from the body than mercury. And that's tough enough to get out.

Centuries ago we tried to cure syphilis with mercury. It literally killed Mozart - not the syphilis, but the cure.

Take care.

quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
I believe I got cured from Lyme with traditional abx including the cyst busting flagyl but with lyme you never know for sure.

I don't mean to be confrontational, but how can this topic not be? If your eluding to the fact I may have mental problems. Darn right I do.

---

And post all your links here Thanks.

Several countries, including Switzerland, Germany and Australia have given approval for the use of colloidal silver and hydrogen peroxide as a drinking water disinfectant.

quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
hmm.. not posting correctly. sorry treepatrol but I get called lots of names. my bad.

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Strep A is a very nasty "stealth pathogen" just like Bb. How it does this is due to the fact the cell wall is made up of the same stuff as our muscle, tendons, etc. The immune system has no chance. It has 120 strains. they range from strep throat, "flesh eating disease"(toxins that kill tissue), scarlet fever, to a chronic strain that would cause severe rheumatioid arthritis or subdural empyema if it's in your sinuses. (fyi do NOT screw around with strep throat!) This is another bug that cannot be tested for (sound familiar) so clinical diagnoses is paramount. Presently docs are not aware of this disease so here are the sickening facts.

* About 55% of patients have neurological deficits at the time of hospital discharge.

* The mortality rate has continued to decline because of early diagnosis and treatment, more accurate localization with head CT scan, early sinus drainage, and recognition of the prominent role of anaerobes in the disease.

* The high incidence of morbidity (ie, neurological deficits) is attributed to the short follow-up period and low mortality rate. Very ill patients who would have died in the past now survive with deficits.

quote:

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Originally posted by ivebeentricked:
what's the deal with the strep a being a co-infection...can you please explain that to me...it would really help me a lot, thanks

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quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
>what's the deal with the strep a being a co-infection

As to co-infection, Bb does not "trick" the immune system as strep A does. It beats the hell out of our immune system with brute force. With this weakened immune system your a sitting duck for pathogens that normally one could fight off.

---

But it does trick it in many ways and it does beat it up with brute force also.

Step A uses some different strokes for different folks.
Bacteriophage lytic enzymes quickly destroy the cell wall of the host bacterium to release progeny phage. Because such lytic enzymes specifically kill the species in which they were produced, they may represent an effective way to control pathogenic bacteria without disturbing normal microflora. In this report, we studied a murein hydrolase from the streptococcal bacteriophage C1 termed lysin. This enzyme is specific for groups A, C, and E streptococci, with little or no activity toward several oral streptococci or other commensal organisms tested. Using purified lysin in vitro, we show that 1,000 units (10 ng) of enzyme is sufficient to sterilize a culture of 107 group A streptococci within 5 seconds. When a single dose of lysin (250 units) is first added to the oral cavity of mice, followed by 107 live group A streptococci, it provides protection from colonization (28.5% infected, n = 21) compared with controls without lysin (70.5% infected, n = 17) (P < 0.03). Furthermore, when lysin (500 units) was given orally to 9 heavily colonized mice, no detectable streptococci were observed 2 h after lysin treatment. In all, these studies show that lysin represents a unique murein hydrolase that has a rapid lethal effect both in vitro and in vivo on group A streptococci, without affecting other indigenous microorganisms analyzed. This general approach may be used to either eliminate or reduce streptococci from the upper respiratory mucosal epithelium of either carriers or infected individuals, thus reducing associated disease.

Introduction
Top
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion
References
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A -hemolytic streptococci), the primary etiologic agent of bacterial pharyngitis, is one of few human pathogens that remain uniformly sensitive to penicillin (1). Additionally, the advent of rapid group A streptococcal diagnostic test kits over the last decade has allowed early initiation of antibiotic treatment. Despite these factors, streptococcal-mediated pharyngitis is reported in over 2.5 million people annually in the United States, >80% of these cases occurring in children under 15 years of age (2). However, streptococcal pharyngitis classically is not a reportable disease, and it has been speculated that the documented number of these pharyngitis cases may be considerably underestimated. Additionally, penicillin fails to completely eradicate streptococci in up to 35% of patients treated for pharyngitis (3), and carriage rates as high as 50% have been reported in close contact areas such as day care centers (4). This high carriage rate contributes to the spread of streptococcal pharyngitis (5) and correlates with outbreaks of rheumatic fever (6). Although eradication of the carrier state would reduce the pool of streptococci in the population and thus streptococcal-related diseases, to date the only treatment is an extensive regimen of antibiotics (7) that may increase streptococcal resistance to macrolides, which are often prescribed for patients with penicillin allergies (8).

At the end of a bacteriophage lytic cycle in a sensitive bacterial host, all double-stranded DNA bacteriophages produce a lytic system that consists of a holin and at least one peptidoglycan hydrolase, or "lysin", capable of degrading the bacterial cell wall. Lysins can be endo--N-acetylglucosaminidases or N-acetylmuramidases (lysozymes), which act on the sugar moiety, endopeptidases, which cleave the peptide cross bridge, or more commonly, an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase, which hydrolyzes the amide bond connecting the sugar and peptide constituents. Typically, the holin is expressed in the late stages of phage infection forming a pore in the cell membrane allowing the lysin(s) to gain access to the cell wall peptidoglycan resulting in release of progeny phage (for review, see ref. 9). Lysin, added to sensitive organisms in the absence of bacteriophage, lyses the cell wall producing a phenomenon known as "lysis from without."

The virulent C1 bacteriophage specifically infect group C streptococci and produce a lysin that has been partially purified and characterized (10, 11). C1 phage lysin can cause "lysis from without" in groups A and E as well as group C streptococci (12, 13). This unique activity has been exploited as a tool in group A streptococcal studies to isolate surface molecules including M proteins (14), to lyse cells for DNA extraction, and to make protoplasts when used in a hypertonic environment (15).

Because there exists a potential use of the C1 phage lysin for the prevention and control of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, we examined its killing ability on these organisms, its actions on other streptococci and oral microflora, and its effectiveness in a mouse model of pharyngitis. This is, to our knowledge, the first report investigating the prophylactic use of a phage encoded lysin in an in vivo model system.

Published online before print March 20, 2001, 10.1073/pnas.061038398
UCANT INSERT LINK ITS TO LONG

Spirochetes attacking Lymphocytes

Usually, any thing that'll kill us, will kill a microbe too.

There's a very fine line between efficacy and toxicity, and I don't think any one knows where that is with these metals.

I have read here, that people infected with lyme, also report they have heavy metal problems also, especially mercury.
SO Hmmmmmmmmmm... why aren't the people with high mercury levels cured of Lyme..?

Barb

I did not know about the Lysin. Thanks. Nice link showing the brute force of Bb. You are correct to the tricking part of Bb.
I'm sure you read about how some spirochetes are able to rip apart our B-cell's and wear the pieces as a cloak against our immune system. Amazing and frightening,it's got both brawn and brains.

quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
>But it does trick it in many ways and it does beat it up with brute force also.

I did not know about the Lysin. Thanks. Nice link showing the brute force of Bb. You are correct to the tricking part of Bb.
I'm sure you read about how some spirochetes are able to rip apart our B-cell's and wear the pieces as a cloak against our immune system. Amazing and frightening,it's got both brawn and brains.

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As Dr. K. said in this article, now already 5 years old, there is more to it than just Lyme. The underlying factors were already present before the Lyme infection hit. Lyme, in most cases, is "the straw that broke the camel's back". The body decided - enough is enough and stopped being able to respond any longer. Many people have and carry Lyme infections, and manage quite well until other heavy-weights come into play, such as stress, environmental exposures that finally are too much for the body to continue fighting, etc.; or the five pounds of sugar and junk food just simply become too much for the body to find the proper resources to fight back.

There are many contributing causes, I am sure. We have to find them and eliminate them. That is basically what we did - step by step, as these causes were found by ART testing.

As you will notice in the text below, the line between therapeutic metals and toxic metals is very, very thin. Silver is great if you know where the limit is and respect it. I did it for just a very short term (about a month). Some protocols that are out there are quite involved with other agents added. That's something your doctor has to decide. In my opinion, if he/she goes into silver, etc., he/she should be well informed. This is not something one does "flying by the seat of your pants".

"Heavy Metals and Chronic Diseases
by Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., PhD

To be presented at the Annual Enderlein Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, Feb.2000

In the late phase of the Roman Empire it was considered a privilege of the reigning aristocracy to drink out of lead cups and many of the water lines in the city of Rome were made out of lead pipes. It took several hundred years before the physicians of their time established the link between mental illness - affecting mostly the aristocracy - and the contamination of the drinking water with lead.

In the 1700s the use of mercury for the treatment of both acute and chronic infections gained favor and again, it took decades before the neurotoxic and immunosuppressive effects of mercury were well documented within the medical community. In the time of Mozart, who himself died of mercury toxicity during a course of treatment for syphilis, any pathologist in Vienna was familiar with the severe grayish discoloration of organs in those who died from mercury toxicity and other organ related destructive changes caused by mercury.

In the case of mercury the therapeutic dilemma is most clear: mercury can be used to treat infections but - not unlike chemotherapy - also causes a different type of illness itself and may kill the patient. The same is true for most metals: small doses may have a therapeutic effect in a short term, life saving direction, but may also cause their own illness.

Most metals have a very narrow therapeutic margin before their neurotoxic, in some cases carcinogenic effect, outweighs the benefits. Toxic metals may be fungicidal and bactericidal, maybe even virucidal, but many foreign invaders have the ability to adapt over time to a toxic metal environment in a way, that stuns scientists and certainly outpaces the ability of the cells of a higher organism - like ours - to adapt in a similar way.

So in the long run, the situation looks different: the cells of the body are harmed by toxic metals whereas the invading microorganisms can often thrive in a heavy metal environment. Research by Ludwig, Voll and others in Germany, by Omura and myself here in the US, showed that microorganisms tend to set up their housekeeping in those body compartments, that have the highest pollution with toxic metals.

The body's own immune cells are incapacitated in those areas whereas the microorganisms multiply and thrive in an undisturbed way. The teeth, jawbone, Peyers patches in the gutwall, the groundsystem (connective tissue) and the autonomic ganglia are common sites of metal storage - where microorganisms thrive. Furthermore, those body areas also are vasoconstricted and hypoperfused (by blood, nutrients and oxygen), which fosters the growth of anaerobic germs, fungi and viruses.

The list of symptoms of mercury toxicity alone, published by DAMS (dental amalgam support group), includes virtually any illness known to humankind: chronic fatigue, depression and joint pains are the most common.

To keep it simple: mercury alone can mimic or cause any illness currently known - or contribute to it.

Modern Medicine has taken a giant leap in the last few years through the discovery and use of the PCR test (polymerase chain reaction). Virtually any illness looked at seems to be caused or contributed to by a chronic infection. A study performed by the VA administration (and published in JADA, April 1998) on 10 000 US veterans showed that most coronary heart disease really started as an endothelial infection, in most cases caused by microorganisms from the mouth. Another study showed that close to 70 % of all TMJ syndromes in women are caused or contributed to by chlamydia trachomatis. Childhood diabetes is often caused by either a cytomegaly or influenza virus infection. And on and on.....

Has Guenther Enderlein not basically found the same truth over 60 years ago? What took so long? Like Bechamp and others he found that infections cannot thrive in the body, unless the milieu is changed in the first place. Rather then looking at the pH, osmolality and the other factors (today also jokingly called the "BTA factors" - from an instrumentation available in the US called "Bio-terrain assessment", which is really a modernization of an instrument developed by French researcher and hydrologist Vincent), I suggest diagnosing and treating toxic metal residues in the body along with appropriate treatment of the microorganisms. As long as compartmentalized toxic metals are present in the body, microorganisms have a fortress that cannot be conquered by antibiotics, Enderlein remedies, ozone therapy, UV light therapy and others.

To diagnose metal deposits in the different body compartments on a living patient is not easy (see my article in Explore: Vol??, 1997), since most "scientific"tests are based on grinding up tissue and then examining it with a microscope, spectroscopy or other laboratory based procedures. Most elegant, suitable and easy to learn is Dr.Yoshiaki Omura's resonance phenomenon between identical substances : both his bi-digital O-ring test or ART (autonomic response testing) are extensions of a regular physical exam, that can be done without any instrument. It is a very accurate diagnostic tool and makes it possible to not only diagnose where in the body which metal is stored but also helps to predict which metal detoxifying agent is most suitable to remove the toxic metal from that particular body region.

The metals found most commonly are : mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium.

Amongst the detoxifying-agents most commonly used are the following: DMPS, DMSA, Captomer, D-Penicillamine, I.V.Vit.C, I.V.Glutathione, Pleo-Chelate, DL-Methionine (Redoxal), branched chain amino acids, Chlorella Pyreneidosa, Chitosan, activated charcoal, cilantro and yellow dock. Non biochemical approaches have been developed by myself and include electromobilization (using the Electro-Bloc), mercury vapor lamp mobilization and others.

So the approach to treating illness in a way, that acknowledges these observations, has to include the following:

diagnosing the site of toxic metal compartmentalization

diagnosing the exact type of metal
determining the most appropriate and least toxic metal removal agent

determining other appropriate synergistic methods and agents (i.e.kidney drainage remedies, blood protective agents such as garlic or Vit.E., agents that increase fecal absorption and excretion of mobilized Hg, exercise, lymphatic drainage etc.)

diagnosing the secondary infection

determining an appropriate antibiotic regimen (medical antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, Enderlein remedies, ozone therapy etc.)

monitoring the patient carefully from visit to visit to respond quickly to untoward effects, most often caused by plugged up exit routes (drainage, drainage, drainage)

With this approach many patients that were chronically ill and did not respond to other approaches before will improve or get well.

However, the thoughts expressed sofar do not answer one important basic question:

Why do some patients that are exposed to mercury, deposit the toxin in their hypothalamus (and develop multiple hormone problems), in the limbic system (depression), others in the adrenals (fatigue), in the long bones (osteoporosis, leukemia), some in the pelvis (interstitial cystitis), in the autonomic and sensory ganglia (chronic pain syndromes), some in the connective tissue (scleroderma, lupus), some in the cranial nerves (tinnitus, cataracts, TMJ problems, loss of smell etc.etc), some in the muscles (fibromyalgia)?

As you would assume, multiple causes can be identified:

past physical trauma, such as closed head injury, will make the brain susceptible to become a storage site for lead, aluminum and mercury.

food allergies: they often cause a low grade encephalitis or joint inflammation, again setting up those areas to become targets for toxic deposits

geopathic stress: we found significant numbers of patients sleeping on underground water lines or too close to electrical equipment. Metals concentrate in the body regions most compromised

scars and other foci: scars can create abnormal electrical signals which can alter the function of the ANS (autonomic nervous system). The abnormal impulses often cause areas of vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion, which again become metal storage sites.
Structural abnormalities: TMJ-problems and Cranio-Sacral dysfunctions often are responsible for impairment of blood flow and lymphatic drainage in affected areas

Biochemical deficiencies: if the patient has a chronic zinc deficiency, the prostate, which has a large turn-over of zinc, starts to incorporate other 2-valent metals, such as Hg ++, Pb++

Environmental toxicity (solvents, pesticides, wood preservatives etc.): these agents have a synergistic effect with most toxic metals. Metals will often accumulate in body parts that have been chemically injured at a prior time

Unresolved psychoemotional trauma and unresolved problems in the family system
The last issue is by far the most common factor determining where which metal will be stored in the body and which infectious agent will thrive in what area of the body. This issue has been underestimated by most, due to a lack of appropriate, quick and precise therapeutic interventions."

Please note that this article dates back to 2000. A lot has changed since then and additional solutions have been found. The agents mentioned are not all necessarily used on patients. ART testing determines what is best to use and what not to use. This is just a general overview of the approach.

I have not met a Lyme patient who got well without addressing all conditions.

Take care.

I could not agree any more on this or the rest of the article. I've read somewhere on a possible link with aluminum and alzheimers. We must all watch out what we put into our systems! That said I'll post one of my original links.

Modern electrolytic colloidal silver is an oligodynamic (effective in ultra-low concentration) naturally microbicidal earth element by virtue of disabling only the metabolic enzymes of anaerobic unicellular micro-organisms, yet is uniquely harmless to mammals at effective concentrations (Thurman R et al, 1st International Conference on Gold & Silver in Medicine, Silver Institute, Wash, 1989). Modern soil depletion, food processing and water treatment (flocculation and filtration) mitigate against reliably receiving adequate dietary amounts of this protective element, which constitutes about 0.07ppm (parts per million) in the earth's crust and until fairly recently, was readily available via the food chain and was supplemented by food related silverware without any epidemiological evidence of harm.

Rosemary Jacobs, the most popularised argyria victim, who is used to demonise colloidal silver, was poisoned more than forty years ago by "silver nose drops of unknown composition" (NEJM, 340(20), 1999). There are no cases of argyria in modern medical history as a result of electro-colloidal silver, despite its popularity. All reference to toxicities, on careful checking, leads directly to industrial exposures or abuse of orthodoxy sanctioned, now discontinued medical silver products, usually not even colloidal silver and if so, always by a defunct grind method, and in cases of severe toxicities, intravenous injections in gram-plus quantities in animal experiments (US EPA, Integrated Risk Information System, ``Silver'', 1998). The key to the safety and efficacy of modern colloidal/ionic silver is its atomic and sub-atomic particle size and hence greater individual number and total active surface area.

Exaggerated commercial health claims for colloidal silver use against serious medical conditions and OTC or self-treatment without adequate supervision or well-informed protocols, adds legitimacy to regulator's concerns, yet much misinformation about colloidal silver toxicity has its genesis in the protectionist pharma-cartel and its bought and / or ideologically biased lap-dog regulatory agencies. As an example, consider this paradox, forced upon the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration when it recently attempted to regulate colloidal silver as a medicine because of ``significant toxicity and no legitimate uses'' but had to amend its own illogical legislation so as to effectively exempt colloidal silver provided it is sold for use in the ``purification or treatment of drinking water without therapeutic claims'' (Commonwealth of Australia, Special Gazette No S 486, 20 December 2002). The obvious absurdity is that a substance cannot be toxic and useless only when sold with therapeutic claims, yet safe and efficacious if added to drinking water at the same approved concentrations, in this instance, over an entire lifetime.

Some foods accumulate silver, eg mushrooms may boost silver consumption up to between 200 to 300ppm per day. Approximately 10% of orally-ingested silver enters systemic circulation and of that, up to 98% is gathered up by metallothioneins, which transport, store and detoxify essential and nonessential trace metals (Silver, The Healthful Metal, Silver Institute, Wash, December 31, 1999). Argyria, a bluish-grey discoloration of the skin, although not aesthetic, is extremely rare, is ``non-pathogenic'' / ``medically benign'' and a daily ingestion dose of 1-30gram would be required to induce the condition (Fowler B, Nordberg G, ``Silver'', in Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals, Friberg L et al, eds. Elsevier Sci Pub, Vol 2, 521-31, 1986); (US EPA, Integrated Risk Information System: `Silver', 1998). Approximately 3.5gram daily over an entire lifetime will be required to cause argyria, according to a year 2000 estimate by international trace mineral expert, Prof Alexander Schauss, PhD, Director of Life Sciences at John Hopkins University, in response to FDA proposals, which is 10,000 times that advocated.

Ionic/atomic silver is an effective antimicrobial at concentrations astronomical orders of magnitude below what is harmful to higher life forms. Concentrations necessary to sterilise drinking water (or by extension, body fluids - we are 70% water) contaminated with pathogens are 40-200 gamma / .04-.2ppm (1ppm = 1000 gamma) (Thomson N, Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry, Pergamon, NY, 1973). Most colloidal silver available in South Africa is generated by a water purification device from the Gaia Research Institute, producing 1ppm of silver (and possibly a suggested microbicidal synergism with 5-15 drops of hydrogen peroxide). One teaspoon (5ml) of 1ppm colloidal silver in a glass (250ml) of water equals 20ppb. Since drinking water guidelines relate to lifetime exposure for the most susceptible sub-groups, calculated at 2 litres a day over an entire lifetime, one could safely consume 8 glasses each with 5 teaspoons (25 ml) of 1 ppm of colloidal silver every day without risk of argyria, the only and purely hypothetical risk to users. Most commonly used is a mere teaspoon in a glass of water 3 or 4 times daily.

Colloidal Silver and hydrogen peroxide, especially in combination, exhibit significant microbial inactivation at concentrations that pose no health risk according to the EEC, WHO and US EPA. Several countries, including Switzerland, Germany and Australia have given approval for the use of colloidal silver and hydrogen peroxide as a drinking water disinfectant. The EEC and Israel Ministry of Health have specifically approved the use of colloidal silver as a drinking water disinfectant at an MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) of 80ppb (Pedahzur, R et al, Water Sci Technol, 31(5-6), 1995). Widespread use might result in potential for uptake of silver ions by humans, but research suggests that: ``risks are minimal under all likely scenarios'' (Final Report: Evaluation of the Efficacy of a New Secondary Disinfectant Formulation Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Silver. US EPA NNCER, Dec 3, 2001).

The USA EPA has declared that ``silver does not cause adverse health effects'' and set a MCL at 100 ppb for all drinking water. Recently an EU Drinking Water Standard proposed removing any upper limit for silver in drinking water, following the WHO's Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, which states that: "it is not necessary to recommend any health-based guidelines for silver as it is not hazardous to human health" ("Silver Water Purification Systems Offer Reliable Alternative to Chlorine", The Silver Institute, Wash, March 25, 1997). The World Health Organisation still advocates 100ppb levels of silver for drinking water (Pelkonen K et al, Toxicology, 186(1-2), 2003). I shall resist arguing for the efficacy of colloidal silver against bacteria, viruses, spore-forming organisms, yeasts and mould fungi, since this should be beyond dispute. As mentioned previously, we are comprised of 75% water. By restoring and maintaining the integrity of that water, we restore and maintain the integrity of the body by freeing it of pathogens. Herein lies the paradox of philosophically diametrically opposed public health authorities both praising and demonizing the same substance. I shall leave it to the now informed reader to decide either way.

Stuart Thomson

Director, Gaia Research Institute, Knysna.

The closest we came was when ART happened to test positive for a certain infection or toxin and a certain symptom was dominant at that same time also. We could then guess that this particular symptom was caused by such and such. Neurotoxins are neurotoxins.

You may need to study the works presented on The German Commission E with regards to Silver--all forms, since as GiGi states, it is approved for short term treatment for many infectious agents----but not to be used for months and yrs on end--since it can cause metal toxicity.

I've known people who have quite literally been drinking cups of the stuff a day---and at that high of levels---it is a darn good neurotoxin!!!!

At that level of ingestion--you have a pretty good chance of just adding insult to injury with regards to the neurotoxins and the brain

quote:

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Originally posted by yankee in black:

You may need to study the works presented on The German Commission E with regards to Silver--all forms,.... it is approved for short term treatment for many infectious agents----

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YIB, do you have access to the German Commission info on silver? If they have done studies, I would very much like to see them. Even excerpts would be great.

It is extremely difficult to find any reputable studies done on silver in any form.

Thanks!

If it is then Switzerland, Germany, Australia,and Israel will be poisoning it's entire population! That would suck

Please read carefully.
WHO's Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, which states that: "it is not necessary to recommend any health-based guidelines for silver as it is not hazardous to human health"

CHLORINE is also an effective antibacterial and is approved for use in drinking water, but I personally would not swallow Clorox based on that approval.

Everything under the sun has been tried by somebody to try and cure this stubborn stuff. Unfortunately nothing has yet been found that can really be called a cure.

Lots of different things have been helpful for different people though. We just want to be careful that we do not do harm by overdoing something that might be helpful used more sparingly. This applies to antibiotics, herbals, or anything we might do. Out bodies are alot more complex than any bacteria, and in many ways very fragile.

WHO Guide

The other side of silver

Soluble silver salts, specially AgNO3, are lethal in concentrations of up to 2g (0.070 oz). Silver compounds can be slowly absorbed by body tissues, with the consequent bluish or blackish skin pigmentation (argiria).

An LD50 value is the amount of a solid or liquid material that it takes to kill 50% of test animals (for example, mice or rats) in one dose.

A Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is the maximum amount or concentration of a chemical that a worker may be exposed to under OSHA regulations.

MSDS

Not according to the WHO. Anything is toxic if used in large enough amounts. As to chlorox, I put c silver in my sinuses on a daily basis. I would NOT do the same with chlorox. The analogy has no merit whatsoever.

quote:

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Originally posted by cootiegirl:
This is all beyond my scope at such a time of the night, but I just wanted to say welcome to brent and lymerayja for coming on over to this board. And we will only hug you if you want to be hugged.....
cootiegirl

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quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
>Isn't there a less than subtle difference between silver IN drinking water and silver AS drinking water?

Not according to the WHO. Anything is toxic if used in large enough amounts. As to chlorox, I put c silver in my sinuses on a daily basis. I would NOT do the same with chlorox. The analogy has no merit whatsoever.

also AgNo3 is not Ag+, not even close

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quote:

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Originally posted by liz28:
Please post all the abx you have tried that didn't work for you, in the order you took them.

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quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
>Isn't there a less than subtle difference between silver IN drinking water and silver AS drinking water?

Not according to the WHO. Anything is toxic if used in large enough amounts. As to chlorox, I put c silver in my sinuses on a daily basis. I would NOT do the same with chlorox. The analogy has no merit whatsoever.

also AgNo3 is not Ag+, not even close

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Brent dont get pod I just found that on the WHO site I even posted it the link.
I got it there on the who site because you keep talking about WHO and thats what I found. Post your link to the WHO site Thanks.

What being in a biofilm means to bacteria

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lots of bacteria are planktonic - they float around in water; microbiologists since the time of Pasteur have conducted most bacterial studies using suspended bacterial cultures.

But most of the bacteria that cause us problems are sessile - attached to a surface - and they live in biofilms. Once bacteria attach to a surface, they change.

The most obvious change is that they begin to excrete a slimy material (which has provided the basis for coining the word biofilm).

But we are learning that other changes made by attached bacteria are profound, though invisible. In fact, researchers have now shown that a bacterium which attaches to a surface "turns on" a whole different set of genes, which makes it effectively a significantly different organism to deal with.

If researchers continue to study cells in suspended cultures, when the actual problems involve biofilm bacteria, the control strategies derived from the studies will target what, phenotypically, amounts to the wrong organism!

Biofilms are implicated in a significant amount of human bacterial infections. Bacterial biofilms also cause fouling, product contamination, equipment failure, and decreased productivity due to downtime for system cleaning and replacement.

We have plenty of evidence that control strategies based on suspended cells are less effective on biofilm cells. Antibiotic doses which kill suspended cells, for example, need to be increased as much as 1,000x to kill biofilm cells (and these amounts would kill the patient first!).

Disinfection rates for biofilm cells are also far below planktonic kills by antimicrobials.

But wait. . . there's more!
Biofilm bacterial behavior is much more complex than suspended cell behavior, because biofilm bacteria live in communities.

According to the CBE's Dr. Gill Geesey, recent studies have revealed that there are significant differences in the level of expression of genes involved in nutrient cycling among members of a single species bacterial population exposed to the same apparent conditions.

Within these populations, there appears to

be "division of labor" whereby some cells

utilize available energy to turn on

metabolic pathways that effect partial

degradation of dead particulate matter,

while other adjacent cells of the same

population utilize the degradation products to produce new cells that are dispersed in the environment.

Understanding biofilm cell characteristics and behavior will help us design new strategies to manage biofilm in a variety of settings.

quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
[QUOTE]
I got it there on the who site because you keep talking about WHO and thats what I found. Post your link to the WHO sit Thanks.

I'll look into it. Nope, not (pod?) it was a great post why they want to compare an element and a compound is beyond me.

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Samuel U, Guggenbichler JP.

Department of Urology, The University of Erlangen, Loschgestr. 15, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.

Contaminated or infected catheters are a major source of nosocomial infections responsible for >40% of all episodes of nosocomial sepsis in acute-care hospitals. Antibiotics as well as surface modifications with, for example, hydrogels proved to be of little value in preventing the contamination of indwelling catheters. The even distribution of 10(12-13) activated silver nanoparticles per gram in various polymers, e.g. polyurethane and silicone, results in an excellent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of organisms in vitro. Substantial reduction of incrustation of these catheters was also observed. These preliminary experimental data warrant clinical studies.

PMID: 15037331 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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me.[/b]

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I knew the pi**ed off but not the dude Needless to say this is BIG and there will be those against it by doing things like comparing it to say clorox. out for now. have a good one!

Read this site: http://www.silvermedicine.org/safety.html

and read the first sentance here: http://www.smart-drugs.com/JamesSouth-silver.htm

While we can debate the merits of silver therapy, the fact that its a metal cannot be debated.

Barb

SILVER IS 47 ITS A TRANSITIONAL METAL

CDC pdf Toxprofiles

Is silver a heavy metal?
Clip from the site below.

HEAVY METAL???

Silver, medically, does not share the toxicology associated with what are commonly described as heavy metals. Legally, the definition of what is or is not a heavy metal varies depending on which regulatory agency one queries. According to SIGNA's medicare qualification documents, silver is not a heavy metal.

The term heavy metal is not truly a scientific term, and there has never been consensus on the meaning of this term in the scientific community. Classification of "heavy metal" has never been scientifically based on any actual quality associated with any element, although many adaptations to the periodic table have been attempted.

There is no basis from a biological standpoint, a chemical standpoint, or any other scientifically demonstrable standpoint including any medical significance that would suggest any actual significant meaning for the term heavy metal as applied to silver, or any other metal.

I have no stake in this debate. Just reporting what I remember reading on this bulletin board.

This means that when it hits the digestive system the silver ions react with the hydrochloric acid and becomes silver chloride. These silver chloride particles are too large to kill bacteria and simply get excreted by the kidneys.

I also took oodles of Olive Leaf Extract at one point...also minor herxes.

I liked the various thoughts on definitions on this site where the upshot appears to be that there is no one agreed upon definition of just what a "heavy metal" is: http://www.silvermedicine.org/silver-heavy-metal.html

So I will henceforward call silver a "transitional metal" that is cumulative in the body. It isn't the name so much as the cumulative part that we should be concerned with.

It will be in ALL the worlds drinking supply in the near future. While I understand your concerns they are unfounded.

Ranucci M, Isgro G, Giomarelli PP, Pavesi M, Luzzani A, Cattabriga I, Carli M, Giomi P, Compostella A, Digito A, Mangani V, Silvestri V, Mondelli E; Catheter Related Infection Trial (CRIT) Group.

Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Istituto Policlinico S. Donato, Milan, Italy. [email protected]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new antimicrobial treatment for central venous catheters in comparison with a traditional treatment, by assessing the catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection rates in two groups of patients. DESIGN: Multiple-center, prospective randomized study. SETTING: The medical and surgical departments of ten institutions. PATIENTS: Patients requiring a central venous catheter for medical or surgical pathologies between June 2000 and November 2001. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the control group received a conventional benzalkonium-treated double-lumen central venous catheter, while patients in the oligon group received an oligon-treated (polyurethane combined with silver, carbon, and platinum) catheter with the same characteristics. Data collection included demographics, preexisting clinical conditions, main pathology, catheter insertion, and management data. Catheter colonization was defined as the growth of > or = 15 colony-forming units in culture of catheter segments by the roll-plate method, or > or = 1000 colony-forming units for the sonication method, and catheter-related bloodstream infection was defined as isolation of the same organism from the colonized catheter and from the peripheral blood of a patient with clinical signs of bloodstream infection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data were obtained from 545 catheters. Of these, 132 catheters (24.2%) were positive for colonization. Patients in the oligon group demonstrated a lower risk for catheter colonization in the overall population (relative risk, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.86; p = .003) and in the surgical subgroup (relative risk, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.76;p = .001). Significant differences between groups were detected for coagulase-negative staphylococci and Gram-negative bacilli colonization rates. Twenty-one patients (3.8%) were positive for catheter-related bloodstream infection, without significant differences between control and oligon groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oligon treatment is effective in limiting the catheter colonization rate. Due to the limited amount of events, this study lacked the power to detect significant differences in terms of catheter-related bloodstream infection rate.

Publication Types:

* Clinical Trial
* Multicenter Study
* Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 12544993 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

And google antelman and you'll eventually get to all the patents which are on the net. This is not legal, but I have thought for a while it would probably cure lyme (if it didn't kill you from a massive herxheimer).

Also here's the catheter patent--this is apparently being used in Mexico, I forget where. If anybody wants to track it down and try it please post here . I don't want to be the guinea pig. Problem here is will the stuff get into privileged niches where borrelia hides:

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United States Patent 6,539,252
Fields , et al. March 25, 2003

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Method and apparatus for the treatment of blood borne pathogens such as immunodeficiency virus

Abstract
A method and apparatus for destroying blood borne pathogens is disclosed which utilizes a low intensity direct current to generate positive particles from various metals which destroy viral pathogens. A first electrode comprised of a metal such as silver is inserted into a patient's venous system. Then, a second electrode is placed on the patient's exterior in the vicinity of the first electrode. A low intensity direct current is applied to the first metal electrode which releases silver cations to be bonded to the virus, resulting in the denaturing of the virus. The first electrode is placed in the venous system of the infected patient via a catheter.

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Inventors: Fields; Charles Bruce (Pittsburg, CA); Burris; Phillip F. (P.O. Box 221, Lafayette, CA 94549)
Assignee: Burris; Phillip F. (San Diego, CA)
Appl. No.: 491782
Filed: January 26, 2000

Current U.S. Class: 604/21; 604/264; 604/508
Intern'l Class: A61N 001/30; A61M 005/00; A61M 031/00
Field of Search: 604/20,21,27,28,500,508,510,264 607/115,122

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References Cited [Referenced By]

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U.S. Patent Documents
873021 Dec., 1907 Cool 604/21.
3878564 Apr., 1975 Yao et al. 3/1.
3964477 Jun., 1976 Ellis et al.
4046151 Sep., 1977 Rose 128/404.
4411648 Oct., 1983 Davis et al. 604/21.
4464166 Aug., 1984 Edelson 604/6.
4473449 Sep., 1984 Michaels et al. 204/101.
4528178 Jul., 1985 Babb 424/7.
4605394 Aug., 1986 Skurkovich 604/4.
5043073 Aug., 1991 Brunner et al. 210/646.
5091152 Feb., 1992 Thomas, Sr. 422/23.
5133932 Jul., 1992 Gunn et al. 422/24.
5139684 Aug., 1992 Kaali et al. 21/748.
5185086 Feb., 1993 Kaali et al. 210/748.
5188738 Feb., 1993 Kaali et al. 210/748.
5322520 Jun., 1994 Milder 604/265.
5328451 Jul., 1994 Davis et al.
5409467 Apr., 1995 Raad et al.
5669874 Sep., 1997 Feiring 604/21.
5683916 Nov., 1997 Goffe et al. 436/535.
5755685 May., 1998 Andersen 604/53.
5759489 Jun., 1998 Miura et al. 422/28.
5776091 Jul., 1998 Brugger et al. 604/4.
5980954 Nov., 1999 Bolton 424/613.
6027469 Feb., 2000 Johnson 604/4.
6027688 Feb., 2000 Wainwright 422/28.
6066489 May., 2000 Fields et al. 435/236.
Foreign Patent Documents
2189677 Nov., 1987 GB.

Primary Examiner: Hayes; Michael J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Logan, II; Charles C.

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Parent Case Text

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This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/708,083, filed Aug. 30, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,489.
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Claims

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We claim:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a catheter having a first lumen and a second lumen, a proximal end and a distal end;

a bifurcation fitted at said proximal end of said catheter, said bifurcation having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg having a first connector attached thereto, said second leg having a second connector attached thereto;

an electrode extending out of said distal end of said catheter for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood of a venous system of a patient,

an electrical conductor extending through said first lumen and said first leg of said bifurcation, said electrical conductor being in electrical communication with said electrode;

a lead cable electrically connected to said electrical conductor at said first connector;

a main cable, said main cable comprising a first branch and a second branch, said first branch electrically connected to said lead cable, said second branch electrically connected to an electrode pad;

an electrode pad disposed on the patient;

a power supply, said power supply in electrical communication with said first branch of said main cable and said electrode pad, said power supply adapted to supply direct current to said electrode; and

a catheter flushing apparatus connected to said second connector, said catheter flushing apparatus having a stylet extending from said catheter flushing apparatus, said second leg of said bifurcation and said second lumen of said catheter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrode is comprised of silver.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electrode is comprised of silver, platinum and copper.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said electrode is comprised of approximately 97.8 percent silver, 0.2 percent-copper, and 2.0 percent platinum.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said catheter further comprises an side portal which allows fluids to exit said second lumen.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second lumen has a D shape.

7. An apparatus comprising:

(A) a catheter having a first lumen and a second lumen, a proximal end and a distal end;

(B) a bifurcation fitted at said proximal end of said catheter, said bifurcation having a first leg and a second leg, said first leg having a first connector attached thereto, said second leg having a second connector attached thereto;

(C) a first electrode extending out of said distal end of said catheter for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood from the circulatory system of a patient;

(D) an electrical conductor extending through said first lumen and said first leg of said bifurcation, said electrical conductor being in electrical communication with said first electrode;

(E) a lead cable electrically connected to said electrical conductor at said first connector;

(F) a main cable, said main cable comprising a first branch and a second branch, said first branch electrically connected to said lead cable, said second branch electrically connected to a second electrode;

(G) a second electrode;

(H) a power supply, said power supply in electrical communication with said first branch of said main cable and said second electrode, said power supply adapted to supply direct current to said first electrode; and

(I) a catheter flushing apparatus connected to said second connector, said catheter flushing apparatus having a stylet extending from said catheter flushing assembly apparatus, said second leg of said bifurcation and said second lumen of said catheter.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first electrode is comprised of silver.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first electrode is comprised of silver, platinum and copper.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said first electrode is comprised of approximately 97.8% silver, 0.2% copper, and 2.0% platinum.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said catheter further comprises a side portal which allows fluids to exit said second lumen.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said second lumen has a D shape.

13. An apparatus comprising:

a catheter having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end;

an electrical conductor extending through said first lumen;

an electrode extending out of said distal end of said catheter for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood of a venous system of a patient, said electrode being solid and in electrical communication with said electrical conductor, said electrode defining a distal end configured and dimensioned for passage through the patient's skin and into the blood of the patient's venous system; said electrode is comprised of approximately 97.8 percent silver, 0.2 percent copper, and 2.0 percent platinum; and

a power supply, said power supply in electrical communication with said electrode and with an electrode pad on the patient.

14. An apparatus comprising:

a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end;

an electrical conductor extending through said catheter;

an electrode extending out of said distal end of said catheter for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood of a venous system of a patient, said electrode defining a distal end configured and dimensioned for passage through the patient's skin and into the blood of the patient's venous system, said electrode being in electrical communication with said electrical conductor;

said electrode is comprised of approximately 97.8 percent silver, 0.2 percent copper, and 2.0 percent platinum; and

a power supply, said power supply in electrical communication with said electrode and with an electrode pad on the patient.

15. An apparatus comprising:

(A) an electrically insulative member having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end;

(B) an electrical conductor extending through said first lumen;

(C) a first electrode extending out of said distal end for the in situ creation and release of cations from the said first electrode directly into the blood from the circulatory system of a patient, said first electrode defining a distal end configured and dimensioned for passage through the patient's skin and into the blood of the patient's venous system, said first electrode being solid and in electrical communication with said electrical conductor; said first electrode is comprised of approximately 97.8 percent silver, 0.2 percent copper, and 2.0 percent platinum; and

(D) a power supply, said power supply in electrical communication with said first electrode and with a second electrode, said second electrode being in electrical communication with said first electrode via the patient's blood.

16. An apparatus comprising:

(A) a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end;

(B) an electrical conductor extending through said catheter;

(C) a first electrode extending out of said distal end of said catheter for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood from the circulatory system of a patient, said first electrode defining a distal end configured and dimensioned for passage through the patient's skin and into the blood of the patient's venous system, said first electrode being in electrical communication with said electrical conductor; said first electrode is comprised of approximately 97.8 percent silver, 0.2 percent copper, 2.0 percent platinum; and

(D) a power supply, said power supply in electrical communication with said first electrode and with a second electrode, said second electrode being in electrical communication with said first electrode via the patient's blood.

17. A method for the destruction of blood borne pathogens comprising:

(A) inserting a first metal electrode into a patient's blood, said the first metal electrode comprising silver;

(B) placing a second electrode in electrical communication with the first metal electrode via the patient's blood;

(C) applying a first low intensity direct current to the first metal electrode for a first period of time; said first low intensity direct current is approximately two and one-half microamps; and

(D) applying a second low intensity direct current to the first metal electrode for a second period of time; said second low intensity direct current is approximately one hundred and twenty-five nanoamps.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said first period of time is approximately twelve minutes and said second period of time is approximately seventy-one hours and forty-eight minutes.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said first period of time is approximately twelve minutes and said second period of time is approximately six weeks.

20. Apparatus for the destruction of a blood borne viral pathogen comprising:

(A) a first electrode for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood of a patient's venous system, the first electrode being at least partially disposed in a catheter lumen and having an exposed portion extending out of the distal end of the catheter lumen and a non-exposed portion disposed within the catheter lumen;

(B) a second electrode for placement on a patient's skin;

(C) conductive means for electrically connecting the first and second electrodes to power supply means; and

(D) power supply means for applying low-intensity direct current to the first electrode in a pattern sufficient to destroy the blood borne viral pathogen through the release of pathogen-binding cations from the first electrode into the blood of the venous system of the patient.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the first electrode includes an electrical conductor portion disposed within the catheter lumen and an electrode portion extending out of the distal end of the catheter lumen for the in situ creation and release of cations directly from the electrode directly into the blood of the venous system of a patient, the electrode portion being in electrical communication with the electrical conductor portion and releasing pathogen-binding silver cations.

22. Apparatus for the destruction of a blood borne viral pathogen comprising:

(A) a first electrode for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood from a patient's venous system, said first electrode being at least partially disposed in a catheter lumen and having an exposed portion extending out of the distal end of the catheter lumen and a non-exposed portion disposed within the catheter lumen;

(B) a second electrode, said second electrode being in electrical communication with said first electrode via the patient's blood;

(C) conductive means for electrically connecting said first and second electrodes to power supply means; and

(D) power supply means for applying low-intensity direct current to said first electrode in a pattern sufficient to destroy the blood borne viral pathogen through the release of pathogen-binding cations from said first electrode into the blood from the circulatory system of the patient.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said first electrode includes an electrical conductor portion disposed within the catheter lumen and an electrode portion extending out of the distal end of the catheter lumen for the in situ creation and release of cations from the electrode directly into the blood from the circulatory system of a patient, said electrode portion being in electrical communication with said electrical conductor portion and releasing pathogen-binding silver cations.
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Description

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to treatment of blood borne viral infections and more particularly concerns antiviral apparatus and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blood borne viral infections are extremely difficult to treat or cure once a patient is infected with the virus. Blood borne viruses can completely inundate the patient (i.e., the "host") and defeat the patient's immune system, which almost certainly leads to death of the patient. Examples of viral infections affecting humans include polio, measles, chicken pox, small pox, mumps, Ebola, the common cold and the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV"). In addition, animals are affected by other viral infections. For example, cattle can be infected by foot-and-mouth disease, dogs can be infected by distemper, cats can be infected by panleukopenia and feline immunodeficiency virus, and hogs can be infected by cholera.

The HIV virus has become a leading cause of death among humans. The prior art has not provided an effective antiviral agent which can effectively kill the HIV virus, thereby leading to either a cure or an effective treatment for infected patients.

The mechanisms of viral infections and specifically the HIV virus will now be discussed so as to provide background into how the present invention acts to kill viruses that have infected a patient. A virus is not an independent living organism. Outside of living cells, for example in body fluids, some viruses can remain dormant. They do not reproduce, metabolize, grow or assimilate food. For a virus to live and reproduce, it needs a host cell. Thus, until a virus finds a host cell, it it may remain dormant in body fluids. During this dormancy period, the virus may come in contact with a suitable host.

Viruses have many different shapes and sizes. For example, the individual virus or virions can be spherical, rod-shaped, or can have a many headed configuration. Virions range in size from approximately 0.02 microns to approximately 0.25 microns. The smallest living bacterium is approximately 0.4 microns. Virions are generally comprised of a viral core which is made up of nucleic acids which carry the viral genes and a capsis of fatty materials and proteins which surrounds the core. In some cases, viral proteins are associated with the nucleic acid in the viral core. This capsis may be surrounded by an additional lipoprotein envelope. The virus attacks a cell by causing at least its nucleic acid to enter the cell. The virus then takes over the cell's metabolic machinery and uses it to make many of copies of itself, thus producing many new virions. In the case of the HIV virus, the virions are released from the cell by lysing (i.e., the cell bursts), which destroys the cell. Many of the virions, however, are able to go on to infect other cells, which are eventually killed.

Humans and other animals have developed natural defenses to viruses. One of the body's first reactions to infection by a virus is a fever. Fever is often the only response necessary since elevated temperatures can deactivate many viruses. Other viruses cause cells to secrete the protein interferon. Interferon can inhibit the production of virions in uninfected cells. Another reaction to infection by a virus is the production of antibodies and activation of other parts of the body's immune system, which can inactivate the virus. Different viruses result in the production of different antibodies.

Part of the immune response of humans and other animals to viral infection is the production of T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes are classes of white blood cells that fight infection in a manner specific to the infecting agent. "B-cells" produce antibodies while "T-cells" have receptors on their surface that mate with the antigen of an invading agent. This mating prevents the invader from infecting other cells until that invading agent can be removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys. More than ten million different T-cell receptor patterns are known to exist. Once a specific T-cell has been produced to fight a specific agent, that T-cell continues to reproduce so that it is present at the time of the next infection by the agent it was created to fight. Approximately two-thousand T-cells can be produced by the body per second in a healthy individual.

The HIV virus is extremely deadly because it attacks these T-cells, eventually producing so many virions that attack the T-cells that the body cannot make T-cells fast enough to replace those destroyed by the HIV virus. The specific T-cell targeted by the HIV virus is the T4 helper lymphocyte. T4 cells are extremely important to the immune defense system of a human. T4 cells control the body processes which produce immune responses to infections. If a T4 cell determines that a response is necessary, it instructs the body's immune system to release T8 cytotoxic lymphocytes and antibodies.

When an HIV virion finds a T4 cell, it is believed that it attempts to penetrate the cell wall to gain access to the T4 cell's nucleus. Many believe that when the HIV virion contacts a T4 cell, the glycoproteins Gp120 and Gp41 on the exterior of the HIV virion attach the virion to CD4 proteins protruding from the T4 cell's surface. After attachment, it is thought that the HIV virus fuses with the T4 cell and injects capsid protein P24 with the genomic ribonucleic acid ("RNA") of HIV and reverse transcriptase, RNaseH, and integrase into the cell. After the HIV virus is injected into the cell, the reverse transcriptase, RNaseH, and integrase manufacture HIV deoxyribonucleic acid ("DNA") out of the genomic RNA. After the HIV DNA is manufactured within the cell, the HIV DNA enters the cell's nucleus and splices itself into one of that cell's chromosomes. At this point, the T4 cell is infected with the HIV virus.

Once the T4 cell is infected with the HIV virus, the T4 cell begins to reproduce copies, i.e., virions, of the HIV virus. One infected T4 cell can produce approximately three hundred thousand to one million copies of the HIV virus per infected T4 cell. Eventually, the infected T4 cell lyses, which destroys the cell. The copies of the infecting HIV virus released from the destroyed T4 cell go on, however, to infect other T4 cells. Since an infected T4 cell produces copies of the HIV virus faster than humans can produce T4 cells, eventually the immune system of the infected person is overrun and is unable to fight off infection. This is because there are too few T4 cells left to create an immune response to invading agents. It is these infections which eventually lead to the death of a patient from the HIV virus. Furthermore, copies of the HIV virus are created faster than the antibody the body creates to fight it. Since the T4 cells are destroyed faster than they can be reproduced, the body will never be able to create enough HIV antibody to fight the virus.

The prior art teaches that infection by many viruses can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccination involves injecting an uninfected patient with a weakened or denatured virus. In response to the weakened or denatured virus, the body will create antibodies specific to that virus. With respect to the HIV virus, however, there is no known vaccine. Further, because the HIV virus mutates so rapidly, a vaccine may not be possible. The prior art does teach several drug therapies for a person infected with the HIV virus. Prior art drug therapies include Azidothymidine, known as AZT, Dideooxyinosine, known as ddI, and Zalcitabine, known as ddc. Recently, a new class of drugs, for example Zidovudine, known as ZDV, and Saquinavir, ddc known as Invirase.TM., have been used for treating HIV infected patients. ZDV and Saquinavir are members of a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. AZT tends to slow the HIV virus' reproduction cycle in humans. This lengthens the amount of time that it takes for the HIV virus to completely destroy the immune system. ddI has results similar to AZT and tends to be used if AZT is too toxic for a particular patient. ddc is generally used in combination with AZT to treat advanced HIV infection. AZT, ddI, and ddc are nucleotide analogues which make it difficult for the HIV virus to replicate by interfering with the reverse transcriptase. ZDV and other protease inhibitors are anti-retroviral agents that interfere with the replication machinery of HIV, resulting in non-infectious. Because the HIV virus mutates so rapidly, however, the virus within a patient eventually becomes immune to protease inhibitors.

Further, prior art methods have developed whereby the patient takes several different medications at the same time. These drug combinations have become known in the art as "cocktails." Cocktails of these drugs are proving somewhat effective at delaying the destruction of the immune system by the HIV virus. However, the HIV virus eventually does overrun the immune system in patients undergoing this therapy for the reasons discussed above. Furthermore, such treatment is extremely disruptive to the patient, as often the patient will be required to take thirty to forty pills at many different times during the day. The long-term results of these three-drug combinations are not yet known. Furthermore, the cost of the three-drug combination is extremely high and is therefore beyond the reach of many infected individuals. Finally, the three-drug treatments are not well tolerated by some patients.

Thus, there has been a long felt need for a treatment of subjects infected with blood-borne pathogens, such as the HIV virus, which destroys the pathogen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Until the present invention, prior art treatments for subjects infected with viruses for which the body could not defeat with its own immune system only delayed death. For example, the prior art treatments discussed above for the HIV virus only lengthen the amount of time it takes for the HIV virus to destroy the immune system, which leads to death of the patient. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for destroying viruses such as the HIV virus, thereby eliminating the virus from the patient. The present invention utilizes a low intensity direct current to generate silver ions which destroy viral pathogens. The device operates in vivo via an exposed metal electrode in the bloodstream. A first electrode is inserted into a patient's venous system. This first electrode comprises silver. In a preferred embodiment, the first electrode comprises an alloy of silver, copper and platinum and traces of other metals. Then, a second electrode is placed on the patient's skin in the vicinity of the first electrode. Then, a low intensity direct current is applied to the first metal electrode. The low intensity direct current causes silver cations to be released from the electrode. The silver cations are attracted to the slight but distinct negative polarities of blood borne viruses. The bonding of the silver cation to the virus denatures the virus. The denatured virus is then removed from the bloodstream by the patient's kidneys.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a first low intensity direct current is applied to the first electrode for a first amount of time. Then, a second low intensity direct current is applied to the electrode for a second amount of time. The second amount of time is a significantly longer period of time.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a catheter having a first lumen, a proximal end and a distal end. An electrical conductor extends through the first lumen. The electrical conductor is in electrical communication with the first electrode, which extends out of the distal end of the catheter. A power supply is in electrical communication with the electrode and supplies the low intensity direct current.

The above and other preferred features of the invention, including various novel details of construction and combination of parts, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular devices embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration only and not as limitations of the invention. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which are shown illustrative embodiments of aspects of the invention, from which novel features and advantages will be apparent

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an expanded side view of an electrode for use in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view in section of a dual lumen catheter of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view in section of a connection point of a wire and a lead cable of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main power cable for a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a power supply for use with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of an exit port for one lumen of a dual lumen catheter of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view in section of the distal end of a catheter of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Ionic silver is useful in fighting bacterial infections and is widely used as a bacteriostatic agent. For example, electrically generated silver ions are effective on infectious bacteria in deep puncture wounds and on broken bones that have become infected. There are some indications that silver ions generated in small quantities (i.e., less than twenty parts per billion) in the blood stream are effective in destroying bacterial pathogens but remain totally nontoxic to mammalian cells. Silver ions are also toxic to eukaryotic microorganisms in levels as low as one to five parts per billion. The theories behind the effectiveness of silver ions are as follows.

All biological life forms have a negative charge. This phenomena can be photographed under certain conditions and is called an aura. Positive electrical energy is highly attracted to this negative polarization and is fatal to the life form when introduced directly, as in a human being standing near a tree in a lightening storm.

While this phenomena occurs in single cell and multi-cell animals, the individual cells comprising the animal, while having slightly positive or slightly negative polarities (it is these slightly positive and slightly negative polarities that allow magnetic resonance imaging systems to function) have an electromagnetic field surrounding the cell that is neutral. Therefore, because individual cells have polarity and are not polarized, positive cations are not attracted to individual cells.

As discussed, a virion is generally comprised of a core having nucleic acids and other protein-like substances and the virus' genomic RNA. Like the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell, the viral core has a slight but a distinct positive polarity and a slight but a distinct negative polarity. When the aggressive positive charges of the silver ions are placed in the vicinity of a virus, it is believed that the silver ions are attracted to the negative polarity of the core of the virus. This attraction leads to an ionic bond between the silver ion and the negative polarity of the virus' core. This bond leads to an exchange of a neutron between the silver ion and viral proteins. This leads to either the denaturization of the viral proteins or the breaking of the bonds in the virus' DNA, thereby killing the virus. Once the virus is killed, it is flushed from the blood by the patient's kidneys.

Silver salts such as silver chloride appear naturally in human blood serum at concentrations of approximately thirty to eighty parts per billion. Furthermore, silver is not reactive with body tissues. These characteristics, combined with the silver ion's efficacy in deactivating viruses make it ideal for treating patients with blood borne viral infections. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other ions from the class of heavy metals will work well using the concepts of the present invention. An example of such heavy metals includes gold, zinc, copper, lead, and other metals capable of electrochemical reaction.

With reference to the drawings, presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment 10 of the present invention. The embodiment 10 of FIG. 1 comprises an elongated catheter 15. Catheter 15 is preferably made of a biocompatible polymer material such as silicone rubber, polyurethane, or the like and depending upon where on the patient it will be installed, can be a peripherally inserted central catheter. While a single lumen catheter is within the scope of the invention, a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a dual lumen catheter 15 comprising first lumen 20 and a second lumen 22, as shown in FIG. 3. First lumen 20 is preferably circular in shape so as to accommodate an electrical conductor. Second lumen 22 preferably has a substantially "D" shape. Second lumen 22 is used to infuse medications or hydration fluids into the patient undergoing therapy while the embodiment 10 is installed. Second lumen 22 is particularly useful because patients infected with viruses are usually receiving many different medications, many of which could be dispensed through second lumen 22. Further, infected patients are often so dehydrated that their blood volume is too low to allow the present invention to operate effectively. The "D" shape of the second lumen 22, if used, maximizes the flow of fluids through this lumen 22.

Catheter 15 is fastened to bifurcation 25. Bifurcation 25 has a first leg 27 and a second leg 29 and wings 30 having suturing holes 31. First lumen 20 branches into first leg 27 and second lumen 22 branches into second leg 29. Bifurcation 25 can be either integral with first and second legs 27, 29 or securely fastened to first and second legs 27, 29. Disposed in first lumen 20 and passing through first leg 25 is a conductive wire 32, which is best seen with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. Wire 32 can be constructed of any electrical conductor, but is preferably constructed of silver. In an alternative embodiment, catheter 15 can have wire 32 extruded therethrough,

At the distal end of wire 32, anodal tip 35, i.e., an electrode, is installed thereon. Electrode 35 is fastened to wire 32 so that they are placed in electrical communication with each other. Preferred fastening techniques include soldering, welding, or brazing. After installation in a patient, anodal tip 35 will reside exposed in the bloodstream of the patient, as will be discussed below. At the proximal end of wire 32, a lead cable 38 fastened thereto. Lead cable 38 is fastened to wire 32 such that they are placed in electrical communication with each other. Preferred fastening techniques include soldering and welding. FIG. 4 shows the connection point 42 of the wire 32 and the lead cable 38. Lead cable 38 is fastened to wire 32 within connector 41. A seal 43 is placed within connector 41 (see FIG. 4). Seal 41 seals the first leg 25 and first lumen 20 from reflux of blood or other body fluids. At the proximal end of lead cable 38 is electrical connector 39. In a preferred embodiment, electrical connector 39 is a female electrical connector. However, other electrical connectors can be utilized without straying from the teachings of the present invention.

As discussed, second lumen 22 branches into second leg 29 at bifurcation 25 such that second leg 29 remains in fluid communication with lumen 22. Disposed on the side of catheter 15 is an exit port 45 (see FIG. 7). Exit port 45 is preferably one to two inches from the distal tip of catheter 15 so that any effluents released therefrom are not prematurely mixed into the ion field created by electrode 35. Lumen 22 initially may have a guidewire or stylet 48 slidably pre-inserted. Pre-inserted stylet 48 extends from lumen 22, through bifurcation 25 and leg 29. At the end of leg 29 is preassembled hub 51 which preferably has a Luer fitting 53 integral thereto. Stylet 48 extends out of leg 29 and passes through flushing assembly 55. Flushing assembly 55 comprises a three-way connector 56 having an inlet port 58, an outlet port 60, and a flushing port 62. Flushing assembly 55 has a Luer fitting 65 at the outlet port 60 which mates with the Luer fitting 53 on leg 29. A reclosable septum 67 is affixed at the inlet port 58. Septum 67 is preferably constructed of a resilient rubber material. The resilient nature of the rubber reclosable septum 67 is such that it makes a water tight seal around the stylet 48. The reclosable septum 67 provides a slight resistance to movement of the stylet 48. This resistance prevents the stylet 48 from being moved too quickly through the flushing assembly 55, leg 29 and catheter 15. This is advantageous since moving too quickly can cause patient discomfort and may result in puncturing the catheter 15 by the stylet 48. Puncturing the catheter 15 in an infected patient can be a serious problem since the user's ability to repair the damaged vein may be compromised by wire 32. Further, once stylet 48 is removed, the reclosable septum 67 forms a watertight barrier, which prevents the reflux of blood. The stylet 48 passes through lumen 22, leg 29, outlet port 60 inlet port 58 and reclosable septum 67. A stylet handle 69 may be placed at the end of the stylet 48 which emerges from the flushing assembly 55. Stylet handle 69 allows the installer to manipulate the stylet 48 during insertion so that the catheter can be maneuvered around obstructions in the patient's venous system.

The flushing port 62 of the flushing assembly 55 is used to add fluids such as flushing solutions to lumen 22 to aid in the installation of the catheter 15 into a patient. Flushing solutions also make removal of the stylet 48 after installation easier, as the fluids can lubricate the stylet 48. Flushing solutions are added to flushing assembly 55 by affixing a syringe (not shown) to flushing port 62. When a syringe is not affixed to flushing port 62, a cap 72 may be placed over the flushing port 62. A preferred flushing apparatus and method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,961. U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,961 is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of the electrode 35 used in the present invention. The electrode 35 is frictionally attached to the catheter 15 at the catheter's distal end 75 and preferably is one-half inch long and 0.03 inches in diameter. The security of the fit between the distal end 75 of catheter 15 and the electrode 35 is important as it is highly desirable to prevent fluids such as blood or other fluids from leaking around the electrode 35 and into lumen 20. Catheter 15 preferably tapers at its distal end 75 to allow for a smooth transition into electrode 35 (see also FIGS. 7 and 8). Approximately eighty percent of the electrode 35 is uninsulated and therefore exposed. That portion of the electrode 35 that resides within lumen 20 of catheter 15, along with wire 32, is preferably covered by insulation 77. Insulation 77 is preferably a biocompatible insulation material such as parylene. Other polymers like parylene can be used as an acceptable insulation material. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode 35 is an alloy comprised of 97.8 percent silver, 0.2 percent copper, and 2.0 percent platinum. While the silver component produces the ions most reactive with viruses, the copper and platinum of electrode 35 provide very important features. The platinum acts as a catalyst and aids in the release of the silver ions from the electrode 35. The platinum also helps to prevent oxides from building up on the electrode 35. The copper acts to control the release of silver ions from the electrodes. In particular, the copper causes the silver ions to be released in short bursts.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a dual lumen catheter 15. As discussed, the present invention contemplates the use of a single lumen catheter as well as the dual lumen catheter shown in FIG. 3. If a single lumen catheter is used, only lumen 20, which contains wire 32, will be present. If fluids or medications are infused into the patient's bloodstream, other means will be required. In addition, the present invention contemplates the use of catheters having more than two lumens, such as a triple lumen catheter.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the electrical connection of wire 32 to lead cable 38 inside connector 41. Connector 41 fits snugly within first leg 27, as shown in FIG. 4. A Luer fitted cap 44 fits over connector 41.

FIG. 5 shows a main power cable 85 of an embodiment of the present invention. Power cable 85 is comprised of a main cable 88 and two separate branches 90 and 92. First branch 90 terminates at an electrical connector 95. Electrical connector 95 can be securely connected to electrical connector 39. In a preferred embodiment, electrical connector 95 is a male connector. Second branch 92 terminates an electrode pad 98. Electrode pad 98 can be an EKG pad. Main cable 88 terminates at another electrical connector 100. In a preferred embodiment, electrical connector 100 is a male electrical connector.

FIG. 6 shows a power supply 110 which is used to apply power to the electrode 35. Electrical connector 100 of power cable 85 fits securely within a jack 112 on power supply 110. In a preferred embodiment, jack 112 is a female electrical socket which can receive connector 100 from power cable 85. Also on power supply 110 is a display 115 which, when illuminated, indicates that the power supply 110 is supplying current to the electrode 35. A switch 118 is provided which allows the amount of current to be varied. In a preferred embodiment, switch 118 has two positions which provide two different levels of current to electrode 35. The amount of current supplied at the two different positions will be discussed below. Using the teachings of the present invention, however, it is possible that different types of switches may be provided so that more than two levels of current can be supplied to the patient. Further, in another preferred embodiment, the power supply 110 is able to automatically switch between the different levels of current that must be supplied to treat the virus which the patient is infected with. Power supply 110 is preferably housed in a sealed case 120 constructed of a material that can be sterilized with ethyleneoxide. Power supply 110 should be powered by a self-contained power source such as a battery which is capable of providing the power necessary for a substantial length of time, e.g., six-to-eight weeks. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply 110 is powered by a nine volt alkaline battery which is sealed within case 120. Preferably, provisions are made to allow the replacement of the battery should the need arise. In another embodiment, the power supply can be powered by a 1.5 volt alkaline battery.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the distal end of catheter 15. FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of exit port 45. Presently preferred exit port 45 comprises an axially oriented, oval-shaped opening 123 and an axially oriented slit 121 extending from an end of opening 123 toward bifurcation 25. Slit 121 is expandable from a closed position to an open position. Slit 121 opens by separating the top and bottom portions beginning at the opening 121. An embodiment of such a side port is found U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/660,020, filed on Jun. 6, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,096. This application is incorporated herein by reference.

As will be discussed below, the power supply 110 supplies a low intensity direct current to the electrode 35. Because the electrode 35 releases silver cations, there is a chemical reaction that occurs on the surface of the electrode involving silver and oxygen that results in a nonconductive oxide on its surface. Over the treatment period, this oxide increases the surface resistance on the electrode 35. This increased resistance requires that the power supply 110 increase the voltage applied to the electrode 35 to produce the same number of silver ions throughout the treatment period. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the power supply 110 adjusts its voltage to maintain the proper current level and hence voltage level. However, at 0.88 volts and higher, the oxide can be forced off of the electrode, which could cause blood clots, stroke and the like. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a voltage limit of 0.86 volts. If the power supply 110 is required to supply more than 0.86 volts, it will shut down. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply 110 has a display (not shown) which would inform the clinician or the patient that the power supply 110 has shut down. The display could also provide other pertinent information such as the level of current and voltage being supplied and the elapsed time of treatment. An audible warning can also be provided that is indicative of a possible malfunction. In the case where the power supply 110 shuts down because it exceeded 0.86 volts, the apparatus 10 can be removed and a new one can be installed in the manner described herein. The current supply capability of the electronics of power supply 110 will be discussed below.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply 110, cable 85 and apparatus are integral with each other.

The method of installation of the apparatus 10 of the present invention will now be discussed. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other installation procedures may be appropriate depending upon the patient and the preferences of the installer. Prior to installation, a proper location must be found on the patient for insertion of the catheter. Generally, a location on one of the arms of the patient is selected where venous introduction will be possible. Because patients infected by such blood borne viruses as HIV virus may have experienced severe weight loss, disease and other problems, the present invention can be installed through the veins or arteries in areas of the body other than the arm. For example, the apparatus 10 can be installed in the jugular vein of a patient.

As discussed, a stylet 48 is runs the length of lumen 22 of catheter 15. Stylet 48 makes installation of the apparatus 10 easier because it stiffens catheter 15, which makes pushing it through a patient's venous system easier. This is especially important in patients severely affected by viruses because they are often dehydrated. Dehydration makes passing catheters through the venous system difficult, as there is less blood volume. Stylet 48 preferably comprises a hydrophilically coated, twist-braided stylet. As discussed, handle 69 provides a larger surface which makes manipulating the stylet 48 easier. This can reduce the amount of time it takes to install the catheter. Shortened installation times are especially important with infected patients because during installation, blood can reflux from the patient, which can place the installer in danger of infection.

After the installation site is selected, it is prepared for apparatus 10 insertion. If desired, a small amount of flushing solution can be flushed through flushing port 62 and into leg 29 and lumen 22. Flushing prior to installation allows the user to check for patency. The user will know that the catheter 15 has been successfully flushed when drops of flushing solution begin to emerge from the exit port 45 of second lumen 22. After ensuring patency, the vein is punctured through the skin using a catheter introducer (not shown). Suitable introducers include the SAFE-T-PEEL.RTM. brand break-away introducer from HDC Corporation and any other over the needle type peel away introducer. After the introducer provides access to the patient's vein, the catheter 15 is threaded through the patient's venous system until the electrode 35 reaches his or her superior vena cava. As will be discussed below, the superior vena cava is the preferred location for the electrode 35.

While threading the catheter 15 through the patient, it may be necessary to flush the second lumen 22 of catheter 15 to aid in installation. When the second lumen is flushed during installation, the flushing solution will act to slightly move the tip of catheter 15, thereby allowing it to move past any venous obstruction. Flushing during installation can also remove any blood that may accumulate inside the second lumen 22. After the apparatus 10 is installed in the patient and the electrode 35 is placed within the superior vena cava, the stylet 48 should be removed from the second lumen 22. To remove the stylet 48, the stylet's 35 handle 69 is pulled. If any resistance is felt, the second lumen 22 can be flushed. As discussed above, the flushing solution lubricates the stylet 48, thereby making removal much easier. Once the electrode 35 is properly placed, apparatus 10 can be affixed to the patient via suturing holes 31.

Once the apparatus 10 is installed in the patient, the main cable 85 is installed. The electrode pad 98 is affixed to the exterior skin of the patient such that it is in close proximity to the electrode 35 installed within the patient. Then, connector 95 at the end of branch 90 of cable 85 in is connected to connector 39 on lead cable 38. Then, connector 100 on main cable 88 is connected to jack 112 on power supply 110. As discussed above, in another preferred embodiment, the power supply 110, cable 85 and apparatus 10 are integral with each other. Such an arrangement eliminates the need for the installer to make these connections. As it will be necessary for an apparatus of the present invention to remain installed in the patient for a long period of time, the apparatus 10, cable 85 and power supply 110 should be arranged on the patient so that the patient can remain comfortable and have the ability to move about.

The present invention operates by providing a low intensity direct current to electrode 35. By placing the electrode pad 98 on the surface of the patient in the vicinity of electrode 35, the low intensity direct current will cause the electrode 35 to act as an anode, thereby releasing metal ions into the bloodstream of the patient. These positively charged metal ions are attracted to the negative polarity of the virus, thereby destabilizing it, as discussed above. The superior vena cava of the patient is the preferred location for installation of electrode 35 because it is the largest blood vessel in the body. The use of such a large blood vessel is preferred because metal ions such as the preferred silver ion have a half life of approximately seven seconds. The device as will be seen below, creates an average output of four-hundred billion silver cations per second. With an average blood volume of four liters passing by the electrode 35 approximately twice per minute, the probability of a virus passing by the electrode 35 and being bonded to a metal ion increases when the volume of blood available to carry the virus is higher. Thus, placing the electrode 35 in the superior vena cava will increase the probability that metal ions generated by the apparatus 10 will bond to a virus in the bloodstream.

It is very important that the amount of metal ions entering the bloodstream from the apparatus 10 be controlled so that while large numbers of virus are killed, the patient is not harmed. The human body has naturally occurring silver ions as components of stable salts present in the bloodstream. These particular silver ions are present in human blood serum in concentrations of approximately thirty to eighty parts per billion as previous experiments have shown. However, these naturally occurring ions are associated with other negatively charged ions. Because of this, they are not attracted to the viruses present in the bloodstream and therefore cannot kill any viruses.

In the presently preferred method of administering metal ions to an infected patient, the patient is initially flooded with large amounts of metal ions for a relatively short period of time. The reason for this is that a patient infected with a pathogen such as the HIV virus may have two million or more copies of the virus per milliliter of blood. With the average human having approximately four-thousand milliliters of blood, an infected individual may have approximately eight billion copies of the virus that must be bonded to a silver ion. Since silver ions have a relatively short half-life (approximately seven seconds), a significantly larger number of silver ions must be produced than there are viruses because the probability of a silver ion bonding to virus is much lower than one-hundred percent However, the need for large numbers of silver ions must be balanced with the need to keep the silver content within levels safe for humans. Since humans can withstand only approximately thirty to eighty parts per billion of silver in the blood serum without resulting in a toxic reaction, it is important that the present invention not introduce more than this safe amount into the bloodstream.

To balance the need for large numbers of silver ions with the need to keep the amount of silver within safer ranges for humans, the power supply 110 supplies two and one-half microamps of current for twelve minutes at the beginning of treatment. This produces 1.56.times.10(13) ions of silver per second. During the twelve minutes (i.e., seven-hundred twenty seconds) that the power supply 110 supplies two and one-half microamps of current, 0.0018 Coulombs enters the bloodstream (i.e., seven-hundred and twenty seconds multiplied by two and one-half microamps). Under Faraday's law, one mole of silver ions equals 96485 Coulombs. Further, one mole of silver ions weighs 107.87 grams. Thus, in the initial twelve minute operating period, nearly two micrograms (1.94 micrograms) of silver ions are introduced into the bloodstream. This is less than five parts per billion silver content in the blood serum, which is significantly below the level of harmful silver content within a human. Thus, during the initial twelve minute treatment using the concepts of the present invention, the silver content does not exceed toxic levels.

After the initial twelve minute operating period, the low intensity direct current provided by power supply 110 is reduced to one-hundred twenty five nanoamps. This causes the production of silver ions to be produced at a rate of seven-hundred seventy-four billion ions per second. Under a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this level of electric current is maintained for a period of seventy-one hours and forty-eight minutes. During this time (i.e., 258,480 seconds) that the power supply 110 supplies one-hundred twenty-five nanoamps of current, 3.2.times.10(-4) Coulombs enters the bloodstream (i.e., 258,480 seconds multiplied by one-hundred twenty-five nanoamps). Under Faraday's law, one mole of silver ions equals 96485 Coulombs. Further, one mole of silver ions weighs 107.87 grams. Thus, during this entire period, only approximately 36.1 micrograms of silver ions are introduced into the bloodstream. Thus, in the entire seventy-two hour treatment, only 38.1 micrograms of silver have been introduced into the patient's bloodstream. This is less than nine parts per billion silver content in the blood serum for a seventy-two hour period, which is significantly below the range for harmful silver content within a human.

The present invention, in addition to providing a non-toxic level of silver ions into the bloodstream, does not exceed unsafe levels of current. Low intensity direct currents of two and one-half microamps and one-hundred twenty five nanoamps is far lower than the current levels provided by, for example cardiopacing devices. Thus, the small amounts of silver ions introduced into the patient's bloodstream coupled with the extremely low currents result in a treatment that, in addition to being highly effective, is also physiologically safe.

The concepts of the present invention have been tested on subjects and resulted in highly positive results. In a first example, the human patient had 2,165,823 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood by the RNA PCR quantification test method. In addition, this patient's T4 cell (Helper) count was at 18. This particular subject was experiencing serious kidney malfunction prior to treatment. Twenty-four hours after treatment, this patient's viral load was reduced to 1,336,817 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood while the T4 cell count was 11. Because of this patient's kidney malfunction, it was suspected that most of the viral copies detected during the RNA PCR quantization test had been denatured but had not yet been removed from the patient by the kidneys. Thus, one month after treatment, the viral load was measured again and found to be reduced to 621,215 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood. After treatment, the patient immediately felt improved health, was able to eat solid food, and experienced a dramatic increase in quality of life.

A second human subject had a viral load of 1,814,466 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood (RNA PCR quantification method) and a T4 cell count of 17. This patient was too dehydrated to place the electrode 35 into the superior vena cava. Thus, the electrode 35 was placed in the subclavian vein. This patient was subjected to twelve minutes of treatment at 2.5 microamps and then only forty-seven hours and forty-eight minutes of treatment at one-hundred twenty-five nanoamps. Forty-eight hours after treatment, the patient's viral load and T4 cell count were measured to be 394,972 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood (RNA PCR quantization method) and 18, respectively. Once again, this patient immediately felt improved health and was able to eat solid food.

A third human subject had a viral load of 693,832 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood (RNA PCR quantification method) and a T4 cell count of 5. This patient was also undergoing treatment with AZT. For this patient's treatment, the initial twelve minutes of treatment at 2.5 microamps was followed by seventy hours and eighteen minutes of treatment at one-hundred twenty-five nanoamps. Twenty-four hours after treatment, the patient's viral load and T4 cell count were measured to be 634 copies of the HIV virus per milliliter of blood (RNA PCR quantization method) and 6, respectively. Once again, this patient immediately felt improved health, was able to eat solid food, and experienced a dramatic increase in quality of life.

In a presently preferred method for practicing the invention, the low intensity direct current is maintained for a longer period of time than the seventy-two hour period discussed above. The reason for this is that it is currently believed that it takes approximately six weeks for an HIV virus that infects a cell to cause that cell to lyse (i.e., burst). Any viruses that infected a cell immediately prior to treatment with the methods of the present invention could avoid being denatured by a metal ion while reproducing in a T4 cell. Thus, for a six week period following treatment, T4 cells will lyse, causing new HIV virions to enter the bloodstream. These new HIV virions can eventually infect new cells. Because of this, while the patient's health may be improved in the short term, the HIV virus will once again work to destroy the immune system in the fashion discussed above. Thus, in a presently preferred embodiment, the patient receives an initial treatment of 2.5 microamps for twelve minutes. Then, the low intensity direct current is lowered to one-hundred twenty-five nanoamps for a period of six weeks by doing this, the invention can denature the HIV virions produced by lysing cells after treatment begins. By doing so, virtually all of the HIV virions can be denatured, thereby resulting in a potential cure.

The methods of this invention have also been successfully tested on a different virus and a different host: namely, a cat infected with feline immunodeficiency virus ("FIV"). A seven year old male house cat weighing ten pounds and ten and three-quarter ounces had "heavy third eyelid", some hair loss, eleven bite marks along his back and rump, and a wound to the top of the ear, all indicative of acute disease. The cat was anesthetized with ketamine, a catheter was placed in the neck, and the negative electrode was placed on the underchest. Approximately four micrograms of silver was delivered in twenty-four minutes, followed by one-half a microgram of silver per hour for ninety minutes. The next morning the subject cat had returned to normal activity and appetite.

Thus, method and apparatus for the treatment of blood borne viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus and feline immunodeficiency virus is disclosed. While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore is not to be restricted except in accordance with the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is useful for treating infections other than the HIV virus. For example, the teachings of the present invention would be effective at treating patients infected with such blood-borne pathogens as bacteria, fungi, Rickettsia, etcetera.

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A patent granted by the patent office is NO proof WHATSOEVER that the patented idea does what the inventors claim that it does.

Nor is it any indication that the patented idea is useful in any way to anyone.

It is perfectly legal to patent an idea on something that can kill you.

There is NO veryfication of the idea and method of a patent OF ANY SORT in the process of getting a patent approved.

So to say this briefly.

A patent on some medical treatment ...

MEANS SQUAT.

All it means to have a patent is that the inventor were able to patent an idea on something that can not be found elsewhere in socalled prior art (e.g., literature, other patents, common sense, etc.)

quote:

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Originally posted by cmichaelo:

Nor is it any indication that the patented idea is useful in any way to anyone.

It is perfectly legal to patent an idea on something that can kill you.

Michael

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quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:
anyone excited yet?

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???

No, not exited!

But bewildered about your posts? Yes.

The other method--the indwelling catheter--is being used at a clinic in Mexico...I forget where, I have emailed it to myself at some point.

I myself am not interested in being a guinea pig, as I think the catheter would only get blood borne stuff, so you'd have to keep it in for ages, too unsafe...borrelia hides out in niches and as granules and cysts.

quote:

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Originally posted by oxygenbabe:

Big pharma would not want to look at this as it would put too many drugs out of business.

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quote:

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Originally posted by cmichaelo:
???

No, not exited!

But bewildered about your posts? Yes.

Michael

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``We tested the compound against a four-hour, eight- hour, and 24-hour exposure period and found no surviving SARS virus upon 24 hours of exposure to the polymer...''
- Zhang Panhe, professor at the Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences

"The new technology...can be used in a variety of injection-molded amino compounds such as Aminel� and AmitecTM resins, as well as compression-molded aminos...The additive is homogeneously distributed throughout the molded part and is locked into the resin matrix, so it provides protection for the lifetime of the part and never wears off, unlike surface treatments."

quote:

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Originally posted by brentb:

I'm excited because it will save the lives and suffering of countless people. That doesn't get you excited???

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Theory....PROOF?

I pass. If it's going into the drinking water, I definitely pass.

quote:

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Originally posted by Lymetoo:
Theory....PROOF?

I pass. If it's going into the drinking water, I definitely pass.

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quote:

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Originally posted by oxygenbabe:
You are wrong, you didn't closely read the ANtelman patents if you just think it gets silver ions into the blood.

Silver *is* a heavy metal. IV silver longterm would not be safe. Some lymies have tried IV silver and it helped for a while but I don't recall any cures.

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Approximately four micrograms of silver was delivered in twenty-four minutes, followed by one-half a microgram of silver per hour for ninety minutes. What does this mean? I can pull other quotes on this as well.

Silver is NOT a heavy metal. please read treepatrols post on this. Heavy metal infers toxicity. I think we have shown that is not the case.

There are certainly field trials occuring by a number of doctors. However, they will only qualify as anecdotal evidence as there are no controls and no blinding of the tests.

It was also mentioned that there were several conditions under which IV silver in particular would not be safe to administer, most having to do with liver issues.

So it is being done, whether it is safe or effective, we will have to wait to see.

As for all the really long posts, have pity on us! My scrolling finger is worn out just getting here. Maybe some of the longer bits of info could just be links? That way those who want could read all the details.

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Originally posted by riversinger:
I just came back from the OHM Lyme Conference in San Francisco. Silver hydrosol as a treatment for Lyme was one of the presentations.

There are certainly field trials occuring by a number of doctors. However, they will only qualify as anecdotal evidence as there are no controls and no blinding of the tests.

It was also mentioned that there were several conditions under which IV silver in particular would not be safe to administer, most having to do with liver issues.

So it is being done, whether it is safe or effective, we will have to wait to see.

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The toxicity issue may be due to a selinium deficiency from what I've read. As far as the testing, thats great news Thats all us "silver freaks" have been asking for!

I can live with it being only anecdotal with no control or blind. I think we all know what happens when Lyme goes untreated

I think everyone here applauds genuine efforts to find new ways to treat diseases, be it with silver or anything else.

The research Riversinger mentions is what we like to see... real medical people looking for practical, effective ways to treat disease without harming their patients. This is what we want to see.

Keep in mind we here are not scientists or medical researchers. We are just sick people giving support to one another and trying to get better. Preaching to us that silver therapies should be researched does little good as we are not the ones in the position to do so.

The danger comes when we make the jump from:
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The knowledge that silver is relatively non toxic and has useful antibacterial properties.
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To:
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TRYING various menthods of putting it directly into our bodies to see if it cures our disease.
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I personnally would prefer to have the intermediate research steps Riversinger mentions before jumping directly to dosing myself up with something.

Even if one has discovered the substance that is THE CURE for a disease... Getting the right form, the right dosage, and the right method of administration could be a dangerous process in itself.

That was the connection between Chlorine and Silver as they apply to municipal water systems... You obviously missed the point.

Both substances are approved and considered safe in small amounts in the water drawn from the tap... But from that we cannot just automatically assume these same substances could be put into our bodies in large quantities to kill the bacteria making us sick.

The lethal toxicity of chlorine just illustrates that suitability for one application does not *automatically* equal suitability for another. That is not an insult to the precious metal.

My understanding also is that with the water purification methods, the object is to use the silver as passively as possible to kill bacteria without losing too much of it into the water. They aren't just adding it to water like they do the chlorine. If for no other reason the stuff is pretty expensive.

(It it a PRECIOUS metal, not a HEAVY metal IMO.)

Still some of it is consumed, so there are standards to allow that. That is true for any substance that is in public drinking water, harmful or beneficial.

I hope some good comes of that research... I think it does have merit.

I just do not *personnally* want to be a test subject until the treatment regimens are much more developed and tested for safety and effectiveness. It would be good to see some actual cures too.

Perhaps some of those poor little infected white footed mice would be good test subjects while we learn more about it.

Brent, please don't be offended that some of us do not want to buy a bunch of the stuff and pour it down ourselves. We are just being cautious with the health we have left.

quote:

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Originally posted by James H:
Brent,
I just do not *personnally* want to be a test subject until the treatment regimens are much more developed and tested for safety and effectiveness. It would be good to see some actual cures too.

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I'll post some anecdotal cures which normaly I do not like but we must keep in mind that in theory it should work and except for a few trials that's all we will be getting in the near future.

On safety if we compare silver to traditional abx we are not even on the same playing field. Keep in mind that chronic lyme will probably require cyst busting drugs such as flagyl with has possible side effect of severe neurological disturbances (i.e., convulsive seizures and peripheral neuropathy). I'm very comfortable with my silver.

Argyria

FDA

Links to silver Problems

Over-the-Counter Drug Products Containing Colloidal Silver

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Originally posted by treepatrol:

Nice to keep it balanced As I've always said we need to know everything. BUT as posted earlier Rosemary Jacobs, the most popularised argyria victim, who is used to demonise colloidal silver, was poisoned more than forty years ago by "silver nose drops of unknown composition" (NEJM, 340(20), 1999). There are no cases of argyria in modern medical history as a result of electro-colloidal silver, despite its popularity.

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