ABSTRACT We examined the inhibitory effects of three heparins on the growth of Babesia parasites. The multiplication of Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. equi, and B. caballi in in vitro cultures and that of B. microti in vivo were significantly inhibited in the presence of heparins, as determined by light microscopy. Treatment with various concentrations of heparin showed complete clearance of the intracellular parasites. Interestingly, a higher percentage of abnormally multidividing B. bovis parasites was observed in the presence of low concentrations of heparin. Furthermore, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled heparin was preferably found on the surfaces of extracellular merozoites, as detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. These findings indicate that the heparin covers the surfaces of babesial merozoites and inhibits their subsequent invasion of erythrocytes.
hmmmmmm...
Posted by Hoosiers51 (Member # 15759) on :
wow, to me that sounds pretty exciting. I wonder why we aren't using heparin more? Maybe because it doesn't get into other parts of the body besides the blood? (i don't know if that is true of heparin, i'm guessing)
Posted by Michael_Venice (Member # 17254) on :
I was pretty surprised too. This was a published study, and it said that in vivo studies were done. Lots of times, you read that this agent or that one is effective in a dish (in vitro), but oftentimes that doesn't translate into actual effectiveness.
And the thing about babesia, it IS in the blood. It's a blood parasite, so I don' think tissue penetration is the same issue it is with lyme treatments.
For ALL the treatments we've all encountered, I'm really surprised I'd never seen this. I found it by accident, trying to find out if babesia has a daily cycle that accounts for how I've been feeling (which is horrible).
Posted by Rianna (Member # 11038) on :
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Michael_Venice: [QB] Has anyone seen this or heard it applied?
Yes I saw this a long time ago and posted it here. I also use sub cut heparin and heparin in my hickman line to the highest dosage I can, checking my APTT and Platelet counts, of course authorised by my LLMD - Despite doing this for over a year it has not made any difference whatsoever to my Babesia and I stil have high titres.
Hence why when I see my LLMD next time and after we have my gene tests back we are hopefully going for the WHO Chloroquine/Primaquine protocol as this gets the Babs entrenched in the liver - look at Groovy's posts as he has beaten babs with that protocol