New discoveries regarding Neuroborreliosis at TNPRC
Exciting research is being conducted under Dr. Mario Philipp at Tulane National Primate Research Center using rhesus monkeys which are very similar to humans biologically. The objective is to better understand how the spirochetes infect the brain, how they damage the brain and how they can be destroyed.
According to interviews with Pamela Weintraub (see Unknown Cure - Inside the Lyme Epidemic), Dr. Philipp has made great progress on proving his theory that Lyme infection inflames the brain (as it does joints), begins killing brain cells and persists in spite of treatment.
One of the most daunting hurdles in studying neuroborreliosis, is that even when disease is fully expected and diagnosed through current methodology, the actual spirochetes are very hard to find. The monkeys are allowing researchers to make controlled experiments and verify results definitively.
One surprise result has come from the observation of the immune system in relationship to the disease. There has been great debate on whether the chronic nature of Lyme disease comes from the actual infection or an over-reaction of the immune system where the body actually attacks itself.
Dr. Philipp reported, “There is no need to imagine an autoimmune engine for this disease. The spirochete is the direct cause. When people remain sick, the cause is either the spirochete or the remnants of its lipoproteins never fully cleared.”
Another amazing discovery made by Dr. Philipp is the nature of the infection within the body. He has found definitive proof of genetic differences between the spirochetes in each area of infection (heart, brain, skin…) as well as different genetic code for spirochetes in immune-suppressed primates versus those with a healthy immune system.
This is great news for those of us suffering as it brings medical science one step closer to finding a cure.
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