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. Robert Bransfield, M.D., the main author collaborated with top doctors in both fields on this paper such as Jeff Wulfman, M.D., William 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.”
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 Charles Ray Jones, 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.