As far as we know the tick is the only vector. The Borrelia bacteria has a complex relationship with both the tick, in which it spends part of its life, and the mammalian host (mouse, bird, human etc). Although the Lyme disease bacteria have been found in the salivary glands of mosquitoes, there is no […]
more...Some private laboratories do offer alternative tests that are used on other infections, but no research has been published to certify these tests to be more reliable than those used by the NHS and other European official laboratories. In the UK reputable private laboratories send their samples for Lyme Disease testing to the PHE reference […]
more...No. Lyme disease tests used by official German laboratories are of the same type that the NHS uses, though they may be produced by a different manufacturer. Confusion arises because some private German laboratories use tests that have not been found to be helpful in diagnosis (eg EliSpot and LTT (Lymphocyte Transformation Test)) and also […]
more...Antibody tests have limitations and there are other “cellular” tests looking at a different part of the immune system. T cell tests for example are known to be helpful in some diseases, such as TB, but so far, their use in LB has not been proved. There is a study in progress in the Netherlands […]
more...When a new type of test is developed, the manufacturer effectively accredits it themselves. Reputable companies will then run trials to show how good the test is compared with other tests – how sensitive and how specific – and will publish the details of the test and the detail of the trials so that laboratories […]
more...A laboratory must be accredited to carry out testing so that it is reliable, and results can be reproduced. They must show that they meet high levels of cleanliness, keep good records, staff are appropriately trained and that they continuously strive to improve their processes. Laboratories are accredited by the International Organisation of Standardisation to […]
more...Quality assurance is a process that laboratories use to ensure the accuracy and proficiency in their testing methods. It involves continuous cycles of control, testing and improvement. This is achieved through written processes (Standard Operating Procedures), rigorous documentation, monitoring and evaluating where errors may be mitigated. When a laboratory has all this in place it […]
more...Rife machines were invented in 1920’s by Royal Raymond Rife. They deliver low electromagnetic waves, like radio waves, through the hands or feet. The suggestion is that all medical conditions have an electromagnetic frequency, and that this machine will deliver pulses at the same frequency, to disable diseased cells. Rife machines have not been scientifically […]
more...Disulfiram is a drug that is currently prescribed for chronic alcoholism. It has some very unpleasant side-effects, such as making you extremely sensitive to alcohol and causing mental health deterioration. [1,2] However, it is known to have properties that can kill microbes, such as bacteria, in a laboratory setting. Some people take disulfiram to treat […]
more...There is no evidence that herbal remedies are effective against the Lyme disease bacteria, though it is possible that some of them may help relieve symptoms: Cat’s Claw has some anti-inflammatory properties but is not without risk. It has an effect on the immune system and the importance of this in Lyme disease is not […]
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