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Bullying & PANS/PANDAS
January 4, 2026
Bullying & PANS/PANDAS

Bullying & PANS/PANDAS Bullying is a frequent concern within the PANS/PANDAS community. Bullying is never the child’s fault. When symptoms are misunderstood, children may be labeled as...

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Category:  Blog, Family Resources
Babesia and Bartonella Species DNA in Blood and Enrichment Blood Cultures from People with Chronic Fatigue and Concurrent Neurological Symptoms.

Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG, Bush JC, Kingston E. Babesia and Bartonella Species DNA in Blood and Enrichment Blood Cultures from People with Chronic Fatigue and Concurrent Neurological Symptoms. Pathogens. 2026; 15(1):2. doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15010002

  • Study included 50 individuals with chronic fatigue lasting 6 months to 19 years and neurological symptoms
  • 23 of 50 participants had evidence of Babesia and/or Bartonella infection
    • Babesia DNA detected in 12 of 50 participants (24%)
    • Bartonella DNA detected in 13 of 50 participants (26%)
    • Co-infection with both genera confirmed in 2 participants
  • Findings support a potential association between these infections and presentations consistent with ME/CFS
  • Authors emphasize the need for larger, prospective studies to clarify contribution or causality
Ecological dynamics of blacklegged ticks, vertebrate hosts, and associated zoonotic pathogens in northeastern forests

LaDeau, Shannon L., KellyOggenfuss, AlexanderSchmidt, SaravananThangamani, and Richard S.Ostfeld. 2025. “Ecological Dynamics of Blacklegged Ticks, Vertebrate Hosts, and Associated Zoonotic Pathogens in Northeastern Forests.” Ecosphere16(12): e70508. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70508

Researchers tested 2,000+ blacklegged ticks in New York over 9 years

• 38% of ticks carried at least one pathogen capable of infecting humans

• About 10% carried multiple pathogens (co-infection)

• The most common combination was Lyme disease + Babesia microti

• Babesia was found in 21% of ticks, higher than previous estimates

• Bartonella was not detected in the ticks tested at these study sites

Advancing Our Understanding of IVIg in Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. Journal of Mosaic of Autoimmunity

Danieli, M.G.; Buti, E.; Longhi, E.; et al. Advancing Our Understanding of IVIg in Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. Journal of Mosaic of Autoimmunity 2025, 1 (2), 5. doi.org/10.53941/jmai.2025.100012

  • Reviews intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) as a pooled IgG product with broad immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Describes mechanisms including modulation of Fcγ receptors, inhibition of complement activation, cytokine regulation, and control of pro-inflammatory immune cells.

  • Explains that IVIg can influence both innate and adaptive immune systems, including via epigenetic mechanisms.

  • Summarizes evidence indicating IVIg can attenuate neuropsychiatric symptoms and restore immune balance in children with PANS.

  • Notes variability in randomized trial outcomes but highlights converging clinical and mechanistic support for IVIg in selected patients.

  • Emphasizes the need for biomarker-guided studies to identify responders and optimize treatment strategies.

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndromes and the gut-oral-brain axis: a narrative review of emerging microbiome-immune interactions and therapeutic perspectives

Matera M, Biagioli V, Illiceto MT, Palazzi CM, Cavecchia I, Manzi A, Lugli S, Pennazzi L, Meocci M, Pedaci FA, Bertuccioli A. Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndromes and the gut-oral-brain axis: a narrative review of emerging microbiome-immune interactions and therapeutic perspectives. Frontiers in Immunology. 2025;16. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1726630

  • Narrative review examining evidence linking gut and oral microbiota to immune dysregulation in PANS/PANDAS.Summarizes literature describing microbiome-related mechanisms including immune activation, increased intestinal permeability, and blood–brain barrier disruption.

  • Discusses how microbial metabolites and inflammatory signaling may influence neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms.