Author Archives for jen

Whole-Genome Sequences of Thirteen Isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi

July 21, 2012 1:35 pm Published by Comments Off on Whole-Genome Sequences of Thirteen Isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi is a causative agent of Lyme disease in North America and Eurasia. The first complete genome sequence of B. burgdorferi strain 31, available for more than a decade, has assisted research on the pathogenesis of Lyme disease.


What are the Top Ten Dog Diseases?

July 21, 2012 1:29 pm Published by 1 Comment

Dog Diseases number in the scores, just as in humans. But, veterinarians tend to see some much more than others. Sadly, a great deal of grief could be avoided if more dog owners were careful to see that their pets are immunized regularly against preventable dog diseases.


Vaccinate pets against Lyme disease: vets

July 21, 2012 1:27 pm Published by Comments Off on Vaccinate pets against Lyme disease: vets

Veterinarians are recommending that pets be vaccinated against the deer tick because the number of pests carrying Lyme disease is on the rise in southeastern New Brunswick.


Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in Canada.

July 21, 2012 1:25 pm Published by Comments Off on Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis and Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in Canada.

In Canada, the environmental suitability for Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum vectors, Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus, appears to be growing. In 1991, there was one known endemic location for I. scapularis while currently there are at least eleven. An estimated 8–12% of the 50–175 million adventitious I. scapularis ticks that enter Canada on birds are positive for B. burgdorferi.


Science, Fear, and the Realities of Lyme Disease in Canada

July 21, 2012 1:22 pm Published by Comments Off on Science, Fear, and the Realities of Lyme Disease in Canada

I am a scientist and a Lyme disease sufferer, and I am writing to warn you about the realities of Lyme disease, and the failure of our governments to acknowledge its prevalence in Canada. This story is filled with controversy, I am one of its victims, and I am far from alone.


Magnotta Fights Lyme

July 21, 2012 1:18 pm Published by 1 Comment

Magnotta is Ontario's third largest winery and the only company of its kind in Canada licensed to produce and sell wine, beer and distilled products. With over 3,500 awards to date for product excellence, Magnotta is Canada's most award winning winery.


A Twist On Lyme: The Challenge of Diagnosing European Lyme Neuroborreliosis

July 21, 2012 12:54 pm Published by Comments Off on A Twist On Lyme: The Challenge of Diagnosing European Lyme Neuroborreliosis

Lyme neuroborreliosis is a tick-borne illness with central and peripheral nervous system manifestations. Clinical features and methods for accurate diagnosis differ across world regions owing to different causative Borrelia species. The importance of these distinctions is highlighted by a 12 year old Canadian girl who acquired Lyme neuroborreliosis in Europe.


Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Research Center – Message from the Director

July 21, 2012 12:48 pm Published by Comments Off on Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Research Center – Message from the Director

This is both a disturbing and an exciting time in the world of Lyme disease. Disturbing because the medical and public health communities have failed to stem the steady increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease over the last 2 decades – with an expansion of over 35% between 2006-2007 alone. Exciting because advances in medical technology are leading to breakthroughs in how we understand this disease.


Infectious Disease Treatment Guidelines Weakened By Paucity of Scientific Evidence

July 21, 2012 12:45 pm Published by Comments Off on Infectious Disease Treatment Guidelines Weakened By Paucity of Scientific Evidence

November 13, 2009 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Two separate analyses presented here at the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 47th Annual Meeting revealed that most of the society's treatment guidelines are based on expert opinion, nonrandomized trials, and case studies.


Doctors must be allowed to contribute to policy debate without fear. Current system stifles MDs speaking out publicly on their concerns

July 21, 2012 12:40 pm Published by Comments Off on Doctors must be allowed to contribute to policy debate without fear. Current system stifles MDs speaking out publicly on their concerns

Medical doctors have a great deal to contribute to public policy debates. But the systems that have developed within the profession and within government stifle public debate among doctors and attempt to create a phoney unity that works against the public interest, as we are slowly learning.


Evidence based medicine, not always best evidence.

July 21, 2012 12:36 pm Published by Comments Off on Evidence based medicine, not always best evidence.

Evidence Based Medicine began as a “bottom-up” paradigm that taught medical residents to search the literature for the best available evidence and to critically appraise it for making patient care decisions.