Stem cell treatment for Lyme disease?

June 10, 4:45 PMNewark Lyme Disease ExaminerNeysa Maldonado

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According to one of the major companies in cord blood banking today, CBR (Cord Blood Registry) now considers a few of the autoimmune diseases (Evans Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus) as eligible for stem cell treatment.  One can’t help but wonder: could there be hope for chronic Lyme disease with this type of treatment? 

Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease that, in chronic form, can cause arthritis, encephalitis and the weakening of your immune system; just to name a few ailments on a very long list.  It can mimic the symptoms and disease progression of the auto immune diseases and surpass many of their neurological symptoms.  Much controversy surrounds the accuracy of serological tests and treatment options.  Many doctors even deny the existence of the chronic or recurrent form and attribute symptoms to a psychosomatic illness.  

Considering much of the same controversy surrounds chronic active EBV (chronic form of Epstein Barr – a virus which is part of the Herpes family of viruses and is said to be one of the most prevalent pathogens in human beings) it’s surprising that chronic EBV is listed as one of the illnesses eligible for stem cell treatment.  Ethical arguments aside, stem cell treatment could potentially provide hope for those adversely affected by Lyme disease.  Unfortunately, for now, Lyme disease continues to require further research and lacks the appropriate level of governmental support. 

Questions in need of answers

• If Lupus and chronic EBV have been documented to respond positively to this therapy why are so many people robbed of their quality of life until the disease progression becomes life-threatening? 
• If it has resulted in a cure for some why go on treating only the symptoms in others?
• Why is this treatment option not offered prior to costly (and often multiple) hospitalizations and medications? 
• Last but not least why hasn’t Lyme disease made it on the list yet?  

 Article resources and helpful links:

Report on positive response in Lupus patient after stem cell therapy
Additional information on chronic EBV including symptoms
List of diseases currently treated with stem cell therapy by CBR
Federal policy on stem cell research

Please e-mail your comments, questions or article suggestions to Neysam@optonline.net
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