A new study has found that combination therapy is successful in treating tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, in mice. The researchers found the combination therapy cured babesiosis, which is an emerging threat transmitted by the same ticks that spread Lyme disease. The treatment not only clears the infection, but also prevents recurrence, which sets combination therapy apart from other modes of treatment.
Babesiosis is caused by B. microti parasite, which is transmitted through tick bites. Individuals infected by babesiosis are often asymptomatic, but might display a range of symptoms from flu-like to even life threatening. The parasite can develop resistance to existing therapies and cause relapses after treatment.
The researchers from Yale University tested four drugs that are currently used as two combination therapies to treat babesiosis on mice with diminished immune systems. One drug, atovaquone, was effective at targeting the enzyme that allows the parasite to become resistant. Using the mouse model, the researchers observed the efficiency of atovaquone with a fifth drug known as ELQ, which involves similar mechanisms as atovaquone, but targets different enzymes. The researchers tested the drugs as a combination.
Advertisement
At low doses, the combination therapy was effective in clearing the infection and preventing its recurrence.
Associate professor Choukri Ben Mamoun said, “This is the first radical cure against this parasite. The novelty of the study was identifying a combination therapy that will both kill the parasite and also paralyze the target enzyme, making it nearly impossible for the parasite to develop resistance.”
Babesiosis rates have increased 19 percent, so it’s important to find effective treatments as the threat continues to grow. Mammals that carry babesiosis can also carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Ben Mamoun, author, concluded, “We are developing a better analog for ELQ that will be used in clinical trials. That’s what our future studies will focus on – identifying a better ELQ that could be added to atovaquone. We could test the safety of the compound in humans.”
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article on the 7 tips to prevent Lyme disease, tick bites.
Sources:
http://news.yale.edu/2016/06/06/combination-therapy-cures-tick-borne-illness-mice
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
