Objective To study the technique of Western blot for the diagnosis of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia afzelii in China and to establish the standard criteria by operational procedure. Methods FP1, which is the represe...Objective To study the technique of Western blot for the diagnosis of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia afzelii in China and to establish the standard criteria by operational procedure. Methods FP1, which is the representative strain of B. afzelii in China, was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, electro transfer and irnmunoblotting assays. The molecular weights of the protein bands of FP1 were analyzed by Gel-Pro analysis software. In a study using 451 serum samples （159 patients with Lyme disease and 292 controls）, all observed bands were recorded. The accuracy of the WB as a diagnostic test was established by using the ROC curve and Youden index. Results Criteria for a positive diagnosis of Lyme disease were established as at least one band of P83/100, P58, P39, OspB, OspA, P30, P28, OspC, P17, and P14 in the IgG test and at least one band of P83/100, P58, P39, OspA, P30, P28, OspC, P17, and P41 in the IgM test. For IgG criteria, the sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 69.8%, 98.3%, and 0.681, respectively; for IgM criteria, the sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 47%, 94.2%, and 0.412, respectively.展开更多
Objectives: A preliminary open label study was initiated to determine if a combination oral supplement containing a mixture of phosphoglycolipids, coenzyme Q10 and microencapsulated NADH could affect fatigue levels in...Objectives: A preliminary open label study was initiated to determine if a combination oral supplement containing a mixture of phosphoglycolipids, coenzyme Q10 and microencapsulated NADH could affect fatigue levels in long-term patients with intractable fatigue. Fatigue was determined by the validated Piper Fatigue Scale before, during and after the trial. Participants included 58 patients (30 females and 28 males) with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic Lyme disease or other fatiguing illnesses, such as fibromyalgia syndrome or Gulf War illness. These patients had been symptomatic for an average of 17.1 ± 0.6 years, had been seen by many physicians (15.2 ± 0.7) and had used many other supplements and drugs (35.4 ± 2.7) without apparent reductions in their fatigue. Results: Participants in the study responded to the combination test supplement, showing a 30.7% reduction in overall fatigue within 60 days (P2 = 0.960). The data also suggested that further reductions were likely if the participants had continued the supplement beyond the 8-week trial. Males responded slightly better to the combination supplement than females, and the patients with the most severe forms of fatigue responded slightly better than those with milder fatigue, independent of their diagnosis. Conclusions: The combination supplement was a safe and effective method to significantly reduce fatigue in long-term patients with intractable chronic fatigue.展开更多
Objective In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of six recombinant proteins for the serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis （LB） and screened out the appropriate antigens to support the production of a Chi...Objective In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of six recombinant proteins for the serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis （LB） and screened out the appropriate antigens to support the production of a Chinese clinical ELISA （enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay） kit for LB. Methods Six recombinant antigens, Fla B.g, OspC B.a, OspC B.g, P39 B.g, P83 B.g, and VlsE B.a, were used for ELISA to detect serum antibodies in LB, syphilis, and healthy controls. The ELISA results were used to generate receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves, and the sensitivity and specificity of each protein was evaluated. All recombinant proteins were evaluated and screened by using logistic regression models. Results Two IgG （VISE and OspC B.g） and two IgM （OspC B.g and OspC B.a） antigens were left by the logistic regression model screened. VIsE had the highest specificity for syphilis samples in the IgG test （87.7%, P〈0.05）. OspC B.g had the highest diagnostic value in the IgM test （AUC=0.871）. Interactive effects between OspC B.a and Fla B.g could reduce the specificity of the ELISA. Conclusion Three recombinant antigens, OspC B.g, OspC B.a, and VisE B.a, were useful for ELISAs of LB. Additionally, the interaction between OspC B.a and Fla B.g should be examined in future research.展开更多
Lyme disease (LD) and idiopathic sudden deafness (ISD) are supposed to be different diseases with different aetiologies. In an attempt to confirm this assumption, 10 patients with confirmed LD and 12 patients with ISD...Lyme disease (LD) and idiopathic sudden deafness (ISD) are supposed to be different diseases with different aetiologies. In an attempt to confirm this assumption, 10 patients with confirmed LD and 12 patients with ISD were consecutively included into the study. Further to the laboratory and audio logical investigation, a low frequency sound (LFS) stimulation on posturography was performed and evaluated. Patients with ISD had higher pure tone average (PTA) than patients with LD (PTA ISD/LD was 72 decibel (dB)/23 dB). There was no difference of vertigo between LD and ISD patients. Patients with ISD have more body sway velocity during the first stimulation than patients with LD. We conclude that the cochlear organ is more affected in ISD patients than in patients with LD. However, the vestibular organ seems to be affected in both diseases. ISD and LD are two different disease entities with different aetiologies but with common otological clinical signs.展开更多
Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in children is a challenging diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 or 2, varicell...Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in children is a challenging diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 or 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), enterovirus or tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) could be identified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum from children being evaluated for LNB, in order to elucidate whether such infectious diseases may be missed by the clinician. Methods: Ninety-nine pediatric patients (n = 99) were retrospectively included from a previous study on LNB in southeast of Sweden. They had been diagnosed as “Possible LNB” or “Not determined” due to negative Borrelia antibody index in CSF. Routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were used for detection of herpes viral RNA or enteroviral DNA in CSF. An ELISA assay was used for detection of anti-TBEV antibodies (IgM and IgG) in serum. Results: One patient showed elevated anti-TBEV IgM and IgG antibodies in serum, indicating a current TBE infection. No positive PCR reactions for HSV 1 or 2, VZV or enterovirus were detected in CSF from any of the patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that undiagnosed herpes- or enteroviral infections are unlikely to explain CNS symptoms in children being evaluated for LNB, whereas missed TBE infections may occur. TBEV serology should be included when evaluating children for LNB in TBE endemic areas.展开更多
AIM: To conduct the first systematic test of the hypothesis that modulation of cardiac vagal tone is impaired in Lyme disease.METHODS: The response of cardiac vagal tone to respiratory modulation was measured in 18 se...AIM: To conduct the first systematic test of the hypothesis that modulation of cardiac vagal tone is impaired in Lyme disease.METHODS: The response of cardiac vagal tone to respiratory modulation was measured in 18 serologically positive Lyme disease patients and in 18 controls.RESULTS: The two groups were matched in respect of age,sex,body mass,mean arterial blood pressure,mean resting heart rate and mean resting cardiac vagal tone. The mean maximum cardiac vagal tone during deep breathing in the Lyme disease patients [11.2(standard error 1.3)] was lower than in the matched controls [16.5(standard error 1.7); P = 0.02].CONCLUSION: Respiratory modulation of cardiac vagal tone is impaired in Lyme disease,which suggests that Lyme disease may directly affect the vagus nerve or the brainstem.展开更多
Chronic Lyme disease is predicated by an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi via tick vector. B. burgdorferi has been extensively researched with regard to its genome and cell biology. There are many unique characteri...Chronic Lyme disease is predicated by an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi via tick vector. B. burgdorferi has been extensively researched with regard to its genome and cell biology. There are many unique characteristics to the bacteria itself;however, serological diagnostics and diagnosis based on symptoms can be complicated and potentially misleading. Other promising diagnostics were also evaluated in this review. Treatment of the chronic Lyme disease can be complicated and at times ineffective. The purpose of this review is to examine B. burgdorferi from a biological and clinical perspective.展开更多
Despite leadership by dedicated lay organization and patient-based advocacy groups, the way forward for prospective candidates for disulfiram treatment has been difficult. This article provides the background, overvie...Despite leadership by dedicated lay organization and patient-based advocacy groups, the way forward for prospective candidates for disulfiram treatment has been difficult. This article provides the background, overview of disulfiram, in particular its intended use in post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome after a standard of care course of antibiotics fails to alleviate symptoms of tick borne disease. A series of recommendations are offered to guide patients and clinicians.展开更多
基金supported by the 12th Five-Year Major National Science and Technology Projects of China (No.2011ZX10004-001)Natural Science Foundation of China (31100105)
文摘Objective To study the technique of Western blot for the diagnosis of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia afzelii in China and to establish the standard criteria by operational procedure. Methods FP1, which is the representative strain of B. afzelii in China, was analyzed by SDS-PAGE, electro transfer and irnmunoblotting assays. The molecular weights of the protein bands of FP1 were analyzed by Gel-Pro analysis software. In a study using 451 serum samples （159 patients with Lyme disease and 292 controls）, all observed bands were recorded. The accuracy of the WB as a diagnostic test was established by using the ROC curve and Youden index. Results Criteria for a positive diagnosis of Lyme disease were established as at least one band of P83/100, P58, P39, OspB, OspA, P30, P28, OspC, P17, and P14 in the IgG test and at least one band of P83/100, P58, P39, OspA, P30, P28, OspC, P17, and P41 in the IgM test. For IgG criteria, the sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 69.8%, 98.3%, and 0.681, respectively; for IgM criteria, the sensitivity, specificity and Youden index were 47%, 94.2%, and 0.412, respectively.
文摘Objectives: A preliminary open label study was initiated to determine if a combination oral supplement containing a mixture of phosphoglycolipids, coenzyme Q10 and microencapsulated NADH could affect fatigue levels in long-term patients with intractable fatigue. Fatigue was determined by the validated Piper Fatigue Scale before, during and after the trial. Participants included 58 patients (30 females and 28 males) with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic Lyme disease or other fatiguing illnesses, such as fibromyalgia syndrome or Gulf War illness. These patients had been symptomatic for an average of 17.1 ± 0.6 years, had been seen by many physicians (15.2 ± 0.7) and had used many other supplements and drugs (35.4 ± 2.7) without apparent reductions in their fatigue. Results: Participants in the study responded to the combination test supplement, showing a 30.7% reduction in overall fatigue within 60 days (P2 = 0.960). The data also suggested that further reductions were likely if the participants had continued the supplement beyond the 8-week trial. Males responded slightly better to the combination supplement than females, and the patients with the most severe forms of fatigue responded slightly better than those with milder fatigue, independent of their diagnosis. Conclusions: The combination supplement was a safe and effective method to significantly reduce fatigue in long-term patients with intractable chronic fatigue.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project[No.2013ZX10004-001]
文摘Objective In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of six recombinant proteins for the serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis （LB） and screened out the appropriate antigens to support the production of a Chinese clinical ELISA （enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay） kit for LB. Methods Six recombinant antigens, Fla B.g, OspC B.a, OspC B.g, P39 B.g, P83 B.g, and VlsE B.a, were used for ELISA to detect serum antibodies in LB, syphilis, and healthy controls. The ELISA results were used to generate receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves, and the sensitivity and specificity of each protein was evaluated. All recombinant proteins were evaluated and screened by using logistic regression models. Results Two IgG （VISE and OspC B.g） and two IgM （OspC B.g and OspC B.a） antigens were left by the logistic regression model screened. VIsE had the highest specificity for syphilis samples in the IgG test （87.7%, P〈0.05）. OspC B.g had the highest diagnostic value in the IgM test （AUC=0.871）. Interactive effects between OspC B.a and Fla B.g could reduce the specificity of the ELISA. Conclusion Three recombinant antigens, OspC B.g, OspC B.a, and VisE B.a, were useful for ELISAs of LB. Additionally, the interaction between OspC B.a and Fla B.g should be examined in future research.
文摘Lyme disease (LD) and idiopathic sudden deafness (ISD) are supposed to be different diseases with different aetiologies. In an attempt to confirm this assumption, 10 patients with confirmed LD and 12 patients with ISD were consecutively included into the study. Further to the laboratory and audio logical investigation, a low frequency sound (LFS) stimulation on posturography was performed and evaluated. Patients with ISD had higher pure tone average (PTA) than patients with LD (PTA ISD/LD was 72 decibel (dB)/23 dB). There was no difference of vertigo between LD and ISD patients. Patients with ISD have more body sway velocity during the first stimulation than patients with LD. We conclude that the cochlear organ is more affected in ISD patients than in patients with LD. However, the vestibular organ seems to be affected in both diseases. ISD and LD are two different disease entities with different aetiologies but with common otological clinical signs.
文摘Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in children is a challenging diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. The aim of this study was to investigate whether herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 or 2, varicella zoster virus (VZV), enterovirus or tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) could be identified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum from children being evaluated for LNB, in order to elucidate whether such infectious diseases may be missed by the clinician. Methods: Ninety-nine pediatric patients (n = 99) were retrospectively included from a previous study on LNB in southeast of Sweden. They had been diagnosed as “Possible LNB” or “Not determined” due to negative Borrelia antibody index in CSF. Routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were used for detection of herpes viral RNA or enteroviral DNA in CSF. An ELISA assay was used for detection of anti-TBEV antibodies (IgM and IgG) in serum. Results: One patient showed elevated anti-TBEV IgM and IgG antibodies in serum, indicating a current TBE infection. No positive PCR reactions for HSV 1 or 2, VZV or enterovirus were detected in CSF from any of the patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that undiagnosed herpes- or enteroviral infections are unlikely to explain CNS symptoms in children being evaluated for LNB, whereas missed TBE infections may occur. TBEV serology should be included when evaluating children for LNB in TBE endemic areas.
文摘AIM: To conduct the first systematic test of the hypothesis that modulation of cardiac vagal tone is impaired in Lyme disease.METHODS: The response of cardiac vagal tone to respiratory modulation was measured in 18 serologically positive Lyme disease patients and in 18 controls.RESULTS: The two groups were matched in respect of age,sex,body mass,mean arterial blood pressure,mean resting heart rate and mean resting cardiac vagal tone. The mean maximum cardiac vagal tone during deep breathing in the Lyme disease patients [11.2(standard error 1.3)] was lower than in the matched controls [16.5(standard error 1.7); P = 0.02].CONCLUSION: Respiratory modulation of cardiac vagal tone is impaired in Lyme disease,which suggests that Lyme disease may directly affect the vagus nerve or the brainstem.
文摘Chronic Lyme disease is predicated by an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi via tick vector. B. burgdorferi has been extensively researched with regard to its genome and cell biology. There are many unique characteristics to the bacteria itself;however, serological diagnostics and diagnosis based on symptoms can be complicated and potentially misleading. Other promising diagnostics were also evaluated in this review. Treatment of the chronic Lyme disease can be complicated and at times ineffective. The purpose of this review is to examine B. burgdorferi from a biological and clinical perspective.
文摘Despite leadership by dedicated lay organization and patient-based advocacy groups, the way forward for prospective candidates for disulfiram treatment has been difficult. This article provides the background, overview of disulfiram, in particular its intended use in post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome after a standard of care course of antibiotics fails to alleviate symptoms of tick borne disease. A series of recommendations are offered to guide patients and clinicians.
