In this episode of The Lyme Insider, we sit down with Dr. Joe Burrascano, MD, a leading expert in Lyme disease testing, to discuss the complexities of diagnosing Lyme disease and its co-infections. This interview dives deep into the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals alike, as we explore the latest advancements in testing technologies, how co-infections affect diagnosis, and the impact of the immune system on chronic Lyme disease.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Common Misconceptions in Lyme Disease Testing

   • Why Lyme testing is often misunderstood by both patients and healthcare providers, and the importance of education in improving diagnosis accuracy.

2. Limitations of Early Lyme Disease Strains

   • How the original Lyme strain, B31, isolated from a tick, may not represent all cases of Lyme disease across the country, leading to potential diagnostic gaps.

3. The Challenge of Co-Infections

   • The role of co-infections like Babesia and Bartonella in complicating both diagnosis and treatment, and what patients should be aware of when they receive Lyme disease testing.

4. Indirect vs. Direct Testing Methods

   • A breakdown of the differences between indirect tests (which measure immune response) and direct tests (which detect the organism), and how doctors should decide which test is appropriate.

5. How Antibody Levels Change During Treatment

   • A look at how Lyme disease treatment can alter antibody levels over time, and what these changes reveal about a patient’s progress and infection status.

6. The Importance of Recombinant Technology in Testing

   • How advancements like recombinant technology are improving the accuracy of Lyme disease testing, overcoming the shortcomings of traditional methods like the ELISA and Western blot.

7. The Immune System's Role in Chronic Lyme Disease

   • Exploring the immune response in chronic Lyme patients and how newer tests like IGXSpot, which measure T-cell activity, provide a clearer picture of these patients’ conditions.

8. Testing During Symptom Flares

   • Why testing during Lyme disease symptom flares or treatment pauses can often yield more accurate results, and the science behind these recommendations.

9. New Technologies for Early Lyme Detection

   • How cutting-edge tests from iGenex are changing the landscape of early Lyme detection, and why early diagnosis is crucial for better patient outcomes.

10. Personalized Lyme Treatment Based on Testing

    • How to tailor Lyme disease treatment plans according to specific test results, particularly for patients dealing with chronic Lyme or multiple co-infections.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Burrascano is an expert in Lyme disease research and testing, with years of experience in diagnosing and treating tick-borne illnesses. They have worked closely with iGenex to advance Lyme disease testing technologies and provide better diagnostic tools for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• Understanding why Lyme disease testing can be complex and how to navigate through the different options available.
• The importance of co-infections in Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment.
• How new testing methods and technologies are improving the accuracy of Lyme disease diagnosis.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in Lyme disease testing and how to approach diagnosis and treatment more effectively.

In this episode of the Lyme Insider, Dr. Tom Moorcroft is joined by Dr. Eboni Cornish as they discuss the often-overlooked parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and its implications for chronic infections and neuropsychiatric symptoms. They explore the role of toxoplasmosis in various chronic illnesses, including tick-borne diseases, and delve into Dr. Cornish's clinical practice at the Amen Clinic. They emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis using spec scans and brain imaging to tailor treatment approaches. Dr. Cornish shares insights into innovative diagnostics, including oral microbiome testing and personalized treatments for neuroinflammation. The episode also highlights Dr. Cornish's dedication to finding the root cause of health issues and providing effective therapies for recovery.

00:00 Introduction to the Elusive Parasite
00:10 Meet Dr. Eboni Cornish
00:34 Understanding Toxoplasma Gondii
00:48 Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Infections
01:30 Diving into Diagnosis and Treatment
02:02 Live from the MAPS Conference
02:42 Clinical Insights and Practices
03:40 Exploring Oral Infections
04:26 The Role of Neuroimaging
06:06 Innovative Treatment Approaches
12:28 The Importance of Oral and Nasal Health
19:21 Addressing Perianal Strep
21:40 Exploring Liposomal Formulations
22:43 Balancing Testing and Treatment
24:45 The Role of Clinical Diagnosis
30:21 Integrating Conference Learnings
32:50 Personalized Patient Care
36:02 The Importance of Basics in Treatment
41:09 Innovative Programs and Final Thoughts