S3 E22: Dr. Omar Morales Talks About His Path to LymeMexico

A sudden storm of obsessions, tics, rage, and cognitive chaos can follow a simple infection—and families are left searching for answers. We sit down with Dr. Omar Morales, a hematology‑trained clinician innovating at the intersection of infections and immune engineering, to unpack how blood-based therapies can change the trajectory of Lyme and PANDAS/PANS.

Dr. Morales explains why he treats the biology rather than the label, then breaks down the roles of apheresis modalities. Red cell exchange rapidly dilutes Babesia lodged in red blood cells. Plasmapheresis removes inflammatory plasma, autoantibodies, and toxins that hammer the brain. Photopheresis, supercharged with photosensitizers, both weakens pathogens and reshapes immune signaling. From those sessions, his lab matures dendritic cells that “teach” T and B cells to target the right invaders—an immune reboot especially useful for Bartonella and persistent viral loads.

We explore a practical sequence for severe PANS: “clean the house” with plasmapheresis, then add IVIG, and repeat as needed while targeting infections in parallel. Morales details how environmental disruptors—mold, heavy metals, chemicals, and STDs—can trigger relapse, why diet and microbiome rebuilding matter, and how barrier repair for the gut and blood–brain barrier reduces neuroinflammation. He shares neuroregenerative strategies, from peptides to neural‑derived exosomes, to help brains recover from years of inflammatory wear and tear.

What emerges is a playbook for complex, immune‑mediated neuropsychiatric illness that blends hematology, microbiology, and patient‑centered pragmatism. You’ll hear a remarkable case rescued by red cell exchange, the logic behind choosing each modality, and the call for tighter collaboration between clinicians and scientists to speed innovation. Subscribe, share with someone who needs this, and leave a review to help more families find these tools.

Link reference in the interview: https://youtu.be/oNI52TIFEGA?si=XLnAzSXWoPAuSKIG

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Credits: Music by Kingsley Durant from his "Convertible" album

To learn more about PANDAS and PANS and The Alex Manfull Fund, visit our website: TheAlexManfullFund.org

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