A new study reveals a promising treatment avenue for persistent neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease, offering hope to patients grappling with lingering effects of the bacterial infection even after antibiotic therapy. Tulane University researchers have identified a type of drug that can significantly mitigate inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.
Neurological
Published in Frontiers in Immunology, the study sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals afflicted with Lyme disease, which manifests in various symptoms affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. While conventional medications effectively combat the infection in many cases, a subset of patients continues to endure symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, and pain, collectively known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
Led by principal investigator Geetha Parthasarathy, PhD, an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, the research explores the therapeutic potential of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors. These drugs, previously investigated in cancer research, demonstrate a remarkable ability to alleviate inflammation and cellular damage in brain and nerve tissues infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
This breakthrough suggests a novel therapeutic strategy for mitigating persistent neuroinflammation in patients grappling with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. By targeting the FGFR pathways implicated in the underlying inflammation, researchers aim to develop treatments that can enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with the debilitating effects of Lyme disease.
Dr. Parthasarathy underscores the significance of these findings, emphasizing the potential of this research to pave the way for improved support and management of Lyme disease-related neurological symptoms. The study represents a crucial step forward in understanding and addressing the lasting impact of Lyme disease on affected individuals.
