posted                

Sandi, would you edit your post by clicking on pencil icon and put something at the top of yours that for people unable to read your post as is, see below for Bettyg's edited version for neuro lymies like herself! thank you! click edit send! reformatting this for neuro lymies like me to be able to comprehend/read this...

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Originally posted by SandiB:


New Evidence on Lyme Disease Supports Need for Extended Treatment Therapy Evidence-based article in prestigious infectious disease journal
supports ILADS treatment recommendations.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) June 15, 2007 --


The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) today announced that, for the first time, evidence supporting the ILADS position on the treatment of Lyme disease has been published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID), considered one of the most prestigious publications in the field of infectious diseases and microbiology.

It is the first time that evidence supporting the ILADS position has ever been published in an
American infectious disease journal.

The duration of treatment for Lyme disease has been a contentious issue among physicians. The fact that two major medical associations - the
Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) - have released conflicting
guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease has fueled the controversy.

"Publication of our recommendations about the most effective treatment for Lyme disease in a journal like CID is a milestone for ILADS," said
Dr. Raphael Stricker, president of ILADS.

"Doctors, patients and insurance companies need to know that the IDSA guidelines are flawed."

Difficult to Diagnose

A primary factor in the Lyme disease controversy is that the disease can be difficult to diagnose. Not every patient suffers from the typical
"bull's-eye" rash and joint inflammation, considered classic symptoms of Lyme disease that is transmitted by the bite of a tiny tick.

ILADS research indicates that only 50%-60% of patients typically recall a tick bite;

the rash is reported in only 35% to 60% of patients; and

joint swelling typically occurs in only 20% to 30% of patients.

And given the prevalence of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen, the joint inflammation is often masked.

Many patients with Lyme disease will continue to experience a variety of symptoms, even after the treatment recommended by IDSA. Some of these
patients go on to develop multiple nonspecific symptoms, making it very difficult to diagnose chronic Lyme disease.

One reason for this difficulty is that Borrelia burgdorferi, the corkscrew-shaped bacteria that causes the disease, has an unusual genetic makeup. This allows the bacteria to screw its way into a variety of cells and evade the body's immune system. According to ILADS research, the Lyme bacteria invades multiple tissues and is able to assume a dormant state much like tuberculosis. This can make treatment much more difficult.

Extended Therapy

Based on extensive clinical evidence, ILADS maintains that extended antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease is sometimes necessary, particularly
in later disease that is more difficult to eradicate. Studies have shown that Borrelia burgdorferi can persist after antibiotic treatment.

In particular, studies conducted in animals - including mice, dogs and monkeys - indicate that the corkscrew-shaped bacteria can persist after
treatment is completed. Persistence in humans has been confirmed by culture or molecular testing in at least a dozen studies.

"Science in this area is still evolving," according to Stricker. "We don't have all the answers and it is too early to adopt treatment
strategies that assume we do. Meanwhile, doctors need flexible treatment approaches," he said.

The article describing the ILADS position on treatment of Lyme disease will be published in the July 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases .

About ILADS

ILADS is a nonprofit, international, multidisciplinary medical society dedicated to the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Lyme disease and associated tick-borne infections.

ILADS promotes understanding of tick-borne diseases through research and education and strongly supports physicians and other health care professionals dedicated to advancing the standard of care for tick-borne diseases.

For more information contact Pam Kahl at 503.284.1534.

http://www.prweb. com/releases/ 2007/6/prweb5335 64.htm

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Originally posted by northstar:

They are stupider than they appear if they think they are really fooling anyone.

Northstar

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This would be extremely dificult, if not outright impossible.

Michelle

Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005  |  IP: Logged |