Researchers at Tulane University have uncovered a hopeful new approach to address lingering neurological symptoms linked with Lyme disease. This discovery offers optimism to patients enduring persistent symptoms despite undergoing antibiotic treatment for the bacterial infection.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through tick bites, can lead to diverse symptoms, including neurological issues. Although medication is often successful, some individuals experience ongoing symptoms, known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
Geetha Parthasarathy, PhD, the principal investigator and assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, has found that fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors, previously explored in cancer research, can notably diminish inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
The discovery implies that focusing on FGFR pathways could present a promising new therapeutic avenue for managing persistent neuroinflammation in individuals with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
"Our findings open the door to new research approaches that can help us support patients suffering from the lasting effects of Lyme disease," Parthasarathy said.
