Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

Biography

Biography: Anna Goc

Abstract

Lyme disease is a multi-systemic bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Because LD has emerged as the most common vector-borne disease worldwide and has been associated with a significant health care concern after treatment with conventional antibiotic therapies, new treatment approaches are needed. Naturally derived substances that could work synergistically to display higher efficacy compared to the individual components may serve as such resource to combat both active and latent forms of Borrelia sp. that cause Lyme disease. Using checkerboard assay, we investigated the anti-borreliae reciprocal interactions of phytochemicals and micronutrients against two species of Borrelia, selected as prevalent causes of Lyme disease in the US and Europe. Moreover, we tested them in form of defined mixture in vitro and in vivo. Tested combinations of polyphenols and fatty acids revealed synergistic or additive effects against active and/or dormant forms Borrelia sp. Moreover, define mixture of theses polyphenols and fatty acids was effective in Lyme disease animal model. In summary, the results show that specific composition of phytochemicals may play a supporting role in combating Borrelia sp. and serve either as an adjunct or alternative treatment for Lyme disease.