Recent findings and upcoming reports shed light on understanding and treating persistent Lyme disease symptoms. Scientists continue to investigate why some patients experience ongoing issues after receiving antibiotic treatment.
Researchers at Northwestern University have found that fragments of bacterial cell walls may linger in tissues, potentially causing inflammation similar to what is seen in long COVID. The bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, produces a unique type of peptidoglycan, a molecule forming the structural support of bacterial cells.
This peptidoglycan from Borrelia burgdorferi was found to persist in the body for weeks or months after the initial infection is cleared. This can stimulate the immune system and contribute to symptoms in patients with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). Brandon L. Jutras, who led the research, noted this molecule is found in synovial fluid in joints affected by Lyme arthritis long after treatment. The study published in Science Translational Medicine tracked peptidoglycan from different bacteria and found Lyme's version persists uniquely.
While most patients with early Lyme disease treated promptly improve, a 2022 study indicated about 14 percent of these patients still develop PTLD, experiencing fatigue, cognitive issues, and joint pain. The medical community seeks a clearer understanding of PTLD causes and effective interventions.
Complementing the research, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) is set to release a report reviewing research and outlining steps for developing better treatments for chronic Lyme disease. Titled "Charting a Path Toward New Treatments for Lyme Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses," the report will be available May 8, followed by a public webinar on May 9.
Meanwhile, the pipeline for new Lyme Disease therapies continues to develop. Multiple companies are working on candidates in various clinical trial phases. Companies identified in the pipeline include CyanVac, Flightpath Biosciences, Inc., Cortene Inc., Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Valneva SE.
Specific therapies listed are BLB 400, FP-100, CT38, TP-05, and VLA15. Valneva SE and Pfizer announced positive Phase II results in September 2024 for their VLA15 vaccine candidate, which targets the Outer surface protein A (OspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Diagnosis typically involves recognizing symptoms following a blacklegged tick bite and using lab tests. Increased prevalence and ongoing research contribute to a deeper understanding of the Lyme Disease epidemiology. The development of more accurate tests for PTLD and therapies aimed at neutralizing inflammatory molecules like peptidoglycan are areas of active investigation.