Episode #60: Borrelia Research with Dr. Eva Sapi, PhD

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about ongoing Borrelia research underway at University of New Haven. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Eva Sapi. Dr. Eva Sapi, PhD is a Professor and Department Chair at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science at University of New Haven where she teaches undergraduate and graduate biology courses and carries out Lyme disease research with her graduate students. She is the Director of their Lyme Disease Program. Dr. Sapi graduated with a M.S. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary in 1987. She received her PhD in 1995. Her research interest is to investigate the different forms of Borrelia burgdorferi to better understand how Borrelia can hide from the immune system as well as from antimicrobial therapies. Her recent research shows that Borrelia burgdorferi is capable of forming a protective layer around itself called biofilm which could render it to be very resistant to antibiotics and provide a logical explanation as to why extensive antibiotic treatment for patients with a tick-bite history could fail. The goal of her research group is to fully characterize this novel form and to identify novel antibacterial agents that are effective in killing all forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. Dr. Sapi organized and chaired six Lyme Disease Symposiums at the University of New Haven during the last several years. Her research interests include Lyme disease, pathogenic biofilm, antibiotic resistance, and the different morphological forms of Borrelia burgdorferi. Key Takeaways: What is the difference between in vitro and in vivo studies? What role does Borrelia play in neurological diseases? Are biofilms an explanation for persistence of Lyme disease despite treatment? What are Borrelia persisters? What was observed with Samento and Banderol when tested against Borrelia? Can stevia be a helpful tool in dealing with biofilms? Is persistence of symptoms after treatment an autoimmune condition or a persistence of infection? How is the Borrelia culture different from immune-based testing? What did research show in terms of potential use of CBD in Lyme? Does bee venom therapy appear to be a viable treatment option for Lyme disease? What work is being done to better understand Morgellons? Connect With My Guest: http://betterhealthguy.link/EvaSapiPhD https://www.facebook.com/UNH.LymeGroup Interview Date: Februray 5, 2018 Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.