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Ologies with Alie Ward
Acaropathology (TICKS & LYME DISEASE) Updated Mega Encore with Neeta Pardanani Connally & Andrea Swei
May 17, 2023
02:32:48
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Quick takeaways
- Proper tick removal with pointed tweezers prevents transmission of harmful substances.
- Tickencounter.org is a valuable resource for tick-related information and prevention strategies.
- Regular tick preventive treatment is essential for pets to avoid tick bites and diseases.
- Ongoing research aims to develop a human vaccine for Lyme disease to offer protection in the future.
- Prevention measures are crucial even with evolving Lyme disease vaccines to control tick exposure.
- Understanding ecological factors influencing Lyme disease prevalence aids in implementing effective prevention strategies.
Deep dives
Proper Tick Removal Technique
When removing a tick, use pointed tweezers to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out, perpendicular to the skin. Avoid methods like using Vaseline or lighting a match, as these can lead to the tick transmitting harmful substances the longer it stays attached.
Tick Encounters.org
Tickencounter.org is a valuable science-based resource for all things related to ticks. It provides photographs, tips, and information on how to deal with ticks, emphasizing prevention and awareness.
Tick Prevention for Pets
It is essential to treat pets with tick preventive products all year round, not just in specific months. Products like collars, oral preventatives, and topical spot treatments are recommended to protect pets from tick bites and potential diseases.
Vaccine Research and Lyme Disease
There is ongoing research in the field of vaccine development for Lyme disease, but the progress towards a human vaccine is not specified. However, efforts are being made to advance vaccine research and potentially offer protection against Lyme disease in the future.
Preventing Lyme Disease and the Importance of Host Control
Preventing Lyme disease is crucial as the vaccine market for Lyme disease continues to evolve. The podcast highlights the importance of prevention measures even with potential vaccines available. Host control is emphasized, urging individuals to check their bodies for ticks, use repellents, and remove invasive plants like Japanese barberry.
Understanding Tick Behavior and Disease Transmission
Ticks, such as the black-legged tick, require high humidity to survive well and seek hosts for blood meals. The podcast explores how ticks transmit various pathogens, including Lyme disease, to humans. It emphasizes the need for early detection and prevention measures, as ticks can transmit diseases quickly once attached.
Challenges in Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Gene Expression Testing
Diagnosing Lyme disease accurately is challenging, as serological tests may yield false positives or lack specificity. The podcast discusses the potential of gene expression testing to improve Lyme disease diagnosis accuracy. Various approaches are being developed to enhance diagnostic tools and sensitivity in identifying Lyme disease infections.
Ecological Factors Influencing Lyme Disease Prevalence in Different Regions
The prevalence of Lyme disease is influenced by ecological factors. The podcast highlights how forests, host populations, and predator-prey relationships impact Lyme disease prevalence in various regions. Differences between the East and West Coasts in terms of tick populations, host interactions, and geographical features are explored.
Addressing Misconceptions and Debates Surrounding Late-Stage and Chronic Lyme Disease
The podcast addresses debates surrounding late-stage and chronic Lyme disease, discussing the challenges in accurate diagnosis and treatment. While late-stage symptoms may persist post-treatment, the recognition and management of post-treatment Lyme disorder are highlighted. The complex nature of Lyme disease diagnosis and controversies surrounding chronic Lyme disease are analyzed.
Lyme Disease in California
Many people mistakenly believe that Lyme disease is not present in California, but the truth is that it is prevalent in certain areas of the state. Despite being less common than on the East Coast, there are over 100 cases annually in California, not associated with travel. The infection prevalence in ticks in certain habitats is around 20%, highlighting the importance of considering Lyme disease even in areas where it may not be as widespread.
Co-Infections with Tick-Borne Diseases
While Lyme disease is a well-known tick-borne illness, co-infections are possible, especially on the East Coast where pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti can be co-transmitted more frequently. However, in California, co-infections are less common due to the rarity of certain pathogens in the region. The risk of co-infection with multiple tick-borne diseases is higher in areas where these pathogens circulate more intensively, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional differences in tick-borne disease transmission.
It’s 2-for-1! Ticks AND Lyme: together in one helpful, disgusting, gossipy, empowering
episode. This pair of episodes is about tiny, thirsty ticks and the diseases they spit into you is wall to wall wisdom from Dr. Neeta Pardanani Connally of the West Connecticut State University Tick Lab and Dr. Andrea Swei of SFSU’s Swei Lab cover how to remove a tick, if you should spray your yard and with what, how landscaping affects tick exposure, why Lyme Disease is spreading, the Lone Star Tick rolling into town, how to protect your pets and why the CC ruined poppyseed muffins. Also: Powassan virus, meat allergies, paralysis ticks, and twin princesses Borrelia and Babesia.
Dr. Neeta Pardanani Connally and Dr. Andrea Swei will charm their way into your heart like a hypostome under your skin.
Dr. Neeta Pardanani Connally’s videos, website, Twitter and Instagram
Follow Dr. Andrea Swei and her lab SweiLab on Twitter
Donations were made to TickEncounter, Union of Concerned Scientists, and 826 Valencia
More episode sources and links
Other episodes you may enjoy: Opossumology (O/POSSUMS), Scorpiology (SCORPIONS), Epidemiology (DISEASES), Cervidology (DEER), Forest Entomology (CREEPY CRAWLIES), Planariology (VERY COOL WORMS, I PROMISE, Dipterology (FLIES), Kinetic Salticidology (DANCING SPIDERS), Diplopodology (MILLIPEDES & CENTIPEDES), Myrmecology (ANTS), Sparklebuttology (FIREFLIES), Spheksology (WASPS), Lepidopterology (BUTTERFLIES), Melittology (BEES), Entomology (INSECTS), Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS)
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Editing by Steven Ray Morris, Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions, and Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media
Transcripts by Emily White of The Wordary
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
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