Imported malaria associated with malariotherapy of Lyme disease - New Jersey

Article Abstract:

Two people in New Jersey who underwent malariotherapy (the induction of malaria to treat diseases caused by other organisms) for Lyme disease subsequently developed malaria. The patients were part of a group of five who went to Mexico for injections of blood that contained Plasmodium vivax parasites, the causative organisms for one type of human malaria. Treatment of the patients' malaria with chloroquine was successful. The practice of inducing malaria is an obsolete one, used formerly to treat neurosyphilis (syphilis that has progressed to involve the nervous system). No systematic study has been reported concerning the effectiveness of this approach, and it is doubtful that the underlying disease is actually affected. Malariotherapy for Lyme disease is not recommended for three reasons: its efficacy is unknown; it carries a risk of death from malaria or other pathogens that might be in the injected blood; and malaria could be transmitted from the newly infected person to others. Any cases such as these should be reported to public health agencies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Complications and side effects, Malariotherapy

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Tick bites and Lyme disease in an endemic setting: problematic use of serologic testing and prophylactic antibiotic therapy

Article Abstract:

Physicians may be overtreating tick bite patients in areas where Lyme disease is endemic. Lyme disease (LD) is a serious infection spread by ticks, but few patients bitten develop the condition. Infectious disease experts do not recommend routine serologic testing or antibiotic treatment following tick bites. Researchers reviewed the treatment of 232 patients with tick bite, LD or suspected LD on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. About 67% of tick bite patients were tested for LD, and 55% received antibiotic therapy. Physicians may be responding to patients' demands for treatment.

Drug therapy

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Expert advice and patient expectations: laboratory testing and antibiotics for Lyme disease

Article Abstract:

Physicians who take time to explain the risk of Lyme disease from tick bites may reduce patient demands for blood tests and antibiotic treatment. Most experts question the value of serologic testing and prophylactic antibiotic therapy following tick bites, based on the low incidence of Lyme disease. Nevertheless, many physicians order tests and prescribe medication, perhaps because patients insist on it. Patients may accept no treatment following tick bites if their physicians correct their misperceptions about Lyme disease and explain the basis for current recommendations.

Editorial, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes

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