Motor neuron disease recovery associated with IV ceftriaxone and anti-Babesia therapy

Abstract

This report summarizes what we believe to be the first verifiable case of a significant and progressive motor neuron disease (MND) consistent with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that resolved during treatment with i.v. ceftriaxone plus oral atovaquone and mefloquine. The rationale for use of these antibiotics was (i) positive testing for Borrelia burgdorferi and (ii) red blood cell ring forms consistent with Babesia species infection. The patient has continued to be free of MND signs and symptoms for 15 months, although some symptoms consistent with disseminated Borreliosis remain.

Cronobacter sakazakii DNA Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mimic Syndrome

“…The exact mechanism by which these pathogens influence motor neurons is matter of debate. Three possible mechanisms have been suggested: (i) the direct damage of neural cells by the infective neurotrophic microorganism [ 5 ], (ii) the neurotoxic effect mediated by bacterial proteins or by the mounted cytokine response [ 6 ], and (iii) the autoimmune cross reaction [ 7 ]. One of these mechanisms might also have been triggered by C. sakazakii infection in our patient.…”

Cronobacter sakazakii DNA Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mimic Syndrome

“…The exact mechanism by which these pathogens influence motor neurons is matter of debate. Three possible mechanisms have been suggested: (i) the direct damage of neural cells by the infective neurotrophic microorganism [ 5 ], (ii) the neurotoxic effect mediated by bacterial proteins or by the mounted cytokine response [ 6 ], and (iii) the autoimmune cross reaction [ 7 ]. One of these mechanisms might also have been triggered by C. sakazakii infection in our patient.…”

Seropositivity to Midichloria mitochondrii (order Rickettsiales) as a marker to determine the exposure of humans to tick bite

“…Several authors have hypothesized the possibility that occult TBIs are a risk factor for chronic-degenerative diseases with complex etiology (among which multiple sclerosis, rheumatological disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with strong convincing evidence, to our knowledge, only for dilated myocardiopathy [28][29][30][31].…”

No association between Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a case–control study

“…Previous studies, mostly case reports and uncontrolled studies, provide a low level of evidence for the hypothesized link between Lyme disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and suggest that Lyme disease may be a treatable mimic of ALS . Guidelines for Lyme disease recommend only testing in cases of symptoms compatible with Lyme disease (rash, headache, stiff neck, photosensitivity, fever, facial weakness, eye movement abnormalities, dermatomal pain or sensory loss) .…”

Cronobacter sakazakii DNA Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mimic Syndrome

“…The exact mechanism by which these pathogens influence motor neurons is matter of debate. Three possible mechanisms have been suggested: (i) the direct damage of neural cells by the infective neurotrophic microorganism [ 5 ], (ii) the neurotoxic effect mediated by bacterial proteins or by the mounted cytokine response [ 6 ], and (iii) the autoimmune cross reaction [ 7 ]. One of these mechanisms might also have been triggered by C. sakazakii infection in our patient.…”

Seropositivity to Midichloria mitochondrii (order Rickettsiales) as a marker to determine the exposure of humans to tick bite

“…Several authors have hypothesized the possibility that occult TBIs are a risk factor for chronic-degenerative diseases with complex etiology (among which multiple sclerosis, rheumatological disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with strong convincing evidence, to our knowledge, only for dilated myocardiopathy [28][29][30][31].…”

No association between Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a case–control study

“…Previous studies, mostly case reports and uncontrolled studies, provide a low level of evidence for the hypothesized link between Lyme disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and suggest that Lyme disease may be a treatable mimic of ALS . Guidelines for Lyme disease recommend only testing in cases of symptoms compatible with Lyme disease (rash, headache, stiff neck, photosensitivity, fever, facial weakness, eye movement abnormalities, dermatomal pain or sensory loss) .…”

Cronobacter sakazakii DNA Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mimic Syndrome

“…The exact mechanism by which these pathogens influence motor neurons is matter of debate. Three possible mechanisms have been suggested: (i) the direct damage of neural cells by the infective neurotrophic microorganism [ 5 ], (ii) the neurotoxic effect mediated by bacterial proteins or by the mounted cytokine response [ 6 ], and (iii) the autoimmune cross reaction [ 7 ]. One of these mechanisms might also have been triggered by C. sakazakii infection in our patient.…”

Seropositivity to Midichloria mitochondrii (order Rickettsiales) as a marker to determine the exposure of humans to tick bite

“…Several authors have hypothesized the possibility that occult TBIs are a risk factor for chronic-degenerative diseases with complex etiology (among which multiple sclerosis, rheumatological disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with strong convincing evidence, to our knowledge, only for dilated myocardiopathy [28][29][30][31].…”

No association between Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a case–control study

“…Previous studies, mostly case reports and uncontrolled studies, provide a low level of evidence for the hypothesized link between Lyme disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and suggest that Lyme disease may be a treatable mimic of ALS . Guidelines for Lyme disease recommend only testing in cases of symptoms compatible with Lyme disease (rash, headache, stiff neck, photosensitivity, fever, facial weakness, eye movement abnormalities, dermatomal pain or sensory loss) .…”