Pediatric Lyme Disease

Scientists are gaining a better understanding of the human immune response that leads to Lyme disease. For example, they are uncovering the mechanisms responsible for treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis. Improved understanding of the human immune response may lead to better diagnostic and prognostic tools. For example, the b. burgdorferi immune assay, a test under development, indicates active Lyme disease infection earlier than antibody tests now in use.

Because Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose and sometimes does not respond to treatment, researchers are trying to create a vaccine that will protect people from getting infected. Vaccines work in part by prompting the body to make antibodies. These custom-shaped molecules lock onto specific proteins made by a virus or bacterium. Often those proteins lodge in the microbes outer coat. Once antibodies attach to an invading microbe, other immune defenses are called upon to destroy it.

Although Lyme disease poses many challenges, there are challenges the medal research community is well equipped to meet. New information on Lyme disease is accumulating at a rapid pace, thanks to the scientific research being conducted around the world. You can get more in-depth information on Lyme disease from your local library or health care provider.

Remember the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation was set up to help your children with Lyme disease pay for treatment and/or medication. I you know someone with Lyme disease who needs some financial help, contact us.
 

Column Posted on Web Site August 5, 2010