New research has found that a little known genus of bacteria named Sutterella may play a significant role in the symptomology of cases of autism that also involve digestive disturbances.   Gastrointestinal disturbances are commonly reported in children with autism and may be associated with changes in the composition of the intestinal bacteria. The role of the gut microbiota is increasingly being recognised by scientists as playing an important role in health and disease.

Researchers from the Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, had proposed that unusual composition of intestinal bacteria was associated with autism with gastrointestinal involvement (AUT-GI). They had previously demonstrated that  some AUT-GI children were carrying bacteria from the family Alcaligenaceae in their guts, while the same was not the case for children in a control group who had gastrointestinal complaints but not autism (Control-GI).

A new review of Lyme disease research assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in prevention and control of Lyme disease and points to key areas where public policy could make all the difference.   Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a spirochete (spiral shaped bacterium) known as Borrelia burgdorferi and most commonly spread by ticks. Despite the infectious agent and mode of ptransmission being known for over three decades the cases of Lyme disease are continuing to climb. The highest rates are seen in the Northeastern United States but many people from different regions and countries also suffer from the disease.

The most obvious sign of initial Lyme disease infection is a chracteristic rash around a tick bite known as Erythema migrans, or a "bullseye" rash, so named because it is circular and red around the outside with a pale centre. Symptoms of the disease are multiple, ranging from fatigue, weakness and headache, to cognitive, mood, and neurological disorders. The large number and systemic nature of symptoms has contributed to controversy. Some experts say Lyme disease is acute and easily treated with a relatively short course of antibiotics, while others suggest a chronic form may develop. Certainly there are no shortage of individuals who suffer chronic symptoms following Lyme infection - which makes this latest study of prevention all the more important.

Newest Community Members:

Active Groups:

Latest Discussions: