Re: Is Autism Associated with A Viral Infection?

[Guest guest]

Evidence Mounts Implicating Lyme Role in Autism

November 7, 2007 -- More proof that infections play a role in this childhood

epidemic.

A new article in Medical Hypotheses, " The association between tick-borne

infections, Lyme Borreliosis and autism spectrum disorders " was released this

week. Bransfield, M.D., the main author collaborated with top doctors in

both fields on this paper such as Jeff Wulfman, M.D., T. Harvey, M.D.

and Anju Usman, M.D.

The summary of the article states that " Chronic infectious diseases, including

tick-borne infections such as Borrelia burgdorferi may have direct effects,

promote other infections and create a weakened, sensitized and immunologically

vulnerable state during fetal development and infancy leading to increased

vulnerability for developing autism spectrum disorders. "

[To review the article in its entirety, Click here]

Bransfield et al, examine clinical observations, case reports, laboratory

testing of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder for tick-borne diseases, brain

imaging results, epidemiological findings, infections and autism,

tick-borne/Borreliosis infections and psychiatric illness and many other factors

in this collaboration of research findings.

Numbers indicate that 20-30% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be

infected with Lyme Borreliosis and pathogenic Mycoplasma may be a contributor in

58% of cases. With these staggering numbers, families and physicians need

education on the proper testing and treatment methods currently available. With

these 20-30% numbers representing around 140,000 cases of autism in the United

States alone, the human impact of this disease is staggering. Bransfield et al

states that " If just 20% of the 560,000 recognized cases of ASD in the US can be

prevented or more effectively treated, this could result in a savings of $358

billion in addition to the incalculable human impact of this disease. "

The authors recognized the contributions of Ray , M.D. for decades

of expertise and dedication in helping hundreds of children with Lyme

Borreliosis and autism spectrum disorder.

Parents needing more information on testing and treatment can turn to the LIA

Foundation for support. They are a non-profit organization which focuses on

research, awareness and education on the multiple infections, including

Borrelia/Lyme Disease, and how that impacts children with Autism Spectrum

Disorder.

About Autism: Autism is a disorder that currently affects 1 out of 150 children.

Boys are the majority of those affected. The numbers of autism cases spiked in

the mid-late 90's and continues to remain high. Most children do improve with

some sort of biomedical and behavioral intervention. About Lyme Disease: Lyme

disease is generally caused by a tick bite and can is more effective when

antibiotics are administered soon after the infection. Borreliosis is a

long-term infection that exists and can be undiagnosed Lyme disease or

transmitted in some other way. Symptoms include achy joints, confusion, slurring

words, word retrieval problems, brain fog, sensitivity to light and sound. Lyme

disease in its late stage can be fatal, causing MS like symptoms and

debilitating its victims. One of the disorders in which Lyme disease is known to

mimic is autism spectrum disorder.

About the LIA Foundation: The foundation was started in September 2006 by

parents of children with autism and Lyme disease. of Beaverton, OR

and Tami Duncan of Corona, CA are the founders. The foundation's goals are to

provide awareness, education and research on the multiple-infections such as

Borrelia and its connection to autism.

Source: PRWeb/Lyme Induce Autism Foundation