Lyme disease: One size does not fit all
A read of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 2006 evidence-based guidelines would lead you to believe that for Lyme disease one size fits all. All you need is a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline for a tick bite; a single 10 to 21 days of antibiotics for Lyme disease; but no retreatment.
Is your fibromyalgia patient a candidate for Lyme disease treatment?
If you have been disappointed to find your fibromyalgia patient is not getting better, you may conclude your patient is a candidate for Lyme disease treatment. The medical conditions share similar symptoms, making an accurate diagnosis challenging.
Obama plan to fight antibiotic resistance may limit treatment for Lyme disease
President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order on Thursday, September 18th which creates a task force to address concerns over the spread of drug-resistant bacteria due to an overuse of antibiotics.
Congratulations Congressman Chris Gibson, NY 19th CD, on passage of the Lyme disease bill
The house bill, Amended HR 4701, titled "To provide for scientific frameworks with respect to vector borne diseases," September 9, 2014 passed the evening of September 9, 2014.
Click on read more for a link to the C-span coverage.
Lyme disease expected to be epidemic in Ohio
Have you seen any evidence that Lyme disease is becoming epidemic in your state?
Lyme disease patients may struggle with depression
There is growing evidence that Lyme disease can lead to psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety disorders and depression. There have been cases where chronically ill Lyme disease patients were suicidal. But, whether psychiatric manifestations, including suicidal ideation, are due to an infection or the result of struggling with a debilitating condition is unknown.
LabCorp to deny physicians access to western blot tests for Lyme disease
Labcorp will not offer a western blot test for individuals unless they are positive or equivocal for the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Immunoflorescense (IFA) screening tests for Lyme disease as of August 11, 2014.[1]
Senator Schumer joins the Lyme disease community in addressing oral antibiotic shortages
Senator Schumer addressed the shortage of doxycycline in his August 12, 2004 press conference in the Hudson Valley, New York. His comment included the following
“LOOMING SHORTAGE OF DOXYCYCLINE, AN ANTIBIOTIC USED TO TREAT LYME DISEASE, IS SENDING PRICE OF DRUG SKYROCKETING DURING ONE OF WORST LYME SEASONS – SENATOR CALLS ON FDA TO INVESTIGATE CURRENT SITUATION, PROACTIVELY ADDRESS DRUG SHORTAGES”
“Lyme Disease Is Up Throughout The Hudson Valley & Around The State; Already More Cases This Year Than in 2013 & Projected to Be More than in 2012 – ...
ILADS reminds parents of the ABCs of Lyme and other Tick-borne Infections
“Many people never see a tick as it’s biting; and, many people won’t exhibit what has become known as the bull’s eye rash,” said Dr. Cameron. “However, there are other signs parents should look for including fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and joint pain,” said Dr. Cameron."
Why ILADS 2014 treatment guidelines are important
ILADS evidence base treatment guidelines identified two-failed treatment protocols, a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline and a single 10 to 21 day course of antibiotic using a GRADE assessment. ILADS evidence based treatment guideline published recommendations to improve these two-failed treatment protocols.
