PANS and Tick-Born Illness

Ticks are active all year long, which means we can get Lyme, Babesia, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, or any other tick-borne infection any time of the year. Tick-borne infections can trigger PANS or be a co-morbid diagnosis. Common Symptoms of PANS

It is essential to understand how to prevent exposure, remove ticks, know the signs and symptoms of an infection, and how to treat if exposed. Lyme disease, Borreliosis, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is the fastest-growing vector-borne illness in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the US. CDC Lyme Stats. Not all patients will have a typical or any Lyme rash. Not all patients will ever see the tick attached. 

ASPIRE will continue to post new resources and articles on Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness. Check back here for updates.

Key Articles on Lyme and Tick-Borne Infections
Anti-lysoganglioside and other anti-neuronal autoantibodies in post-treatment Lyme Disease and Erythema Migrans after repeat infection

Anti-lysoganglioside and other anti-neuronal autoantibodies in post-treatment Lyme Disease and Erythema Migrans after repeat infection

Brian A.Fallon, BarbaraStrobino, SeanReim, JulieStoner, Madeleine W.Cunningham Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, Volume 2, February 2020, 100015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100015

This study examines molecular mimicry targeting neural tissue after Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) infection. Patients with Lyme disease have a greater frequency of specific anti-neuronal autoantibodies and functional neuronal activation compared to community controls without a history of Lyme disease.

“Highlights

  • The EM ​+ ​prior LD group had significantly elevated anti-neuronal antibodies.
  • The EM ​+ ​prior LD group had significantly elevated CaM Kinase activation.
  • Anti-Lysoganglioside Antibodies are significantly elevated in the PTLS group.
  • Prior infection may lead to immune priming and increased autoantibodies.”
Lyme disease and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS): an overview

Rhee H, Cameron D. Lyme disease and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS): an overview. Int J Gen Med. 2012;5:163-174
https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S24212

B. burgdorferi and GAβHS are very different microorganisms that evade the immune system and invade a wide variety of tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). Lyme and PANS can have periods of active disease and periods of remission. Both infections cause physical, neurological, and cognitive symptoms.