News

The recent presentation can be found at the end of this page.  Note that the last Doctor's Training Program took place on 14 Nov 2009 in the BCA in Augsburg.  Information can be found at the end of the page.

Tick-Testing PCR Analysis:  since Ocotber 2009 we offer a tick-testing on Borrelia, Rickettsia, Babesia and Ehrlichia in the BCA laboratory (PRC Analysis).  You can find more information under "Tick-Testing".  You can download a laboratory order form for tick testing (incl. a short info leaflet) here.

On September 1st, 2009 the second Borreliose Centrum has opened in Blankenburg (Harz Region, Germany).  The Borreliose Centrum Blankenburg (BCB) diagnoses and treats accoriding to the guidelines of the Borreliose Centrum Augsburg.  The BCB also offers the ambulant rehabilitation program for intensive treatment in the day medical clinic.  You can find more information about the BCB at www.b-c-bl.de.

Very often we hear about GPs who are very sceptical about the long-term antibiosis and warn their patients about the severe side effects ! (?)

For this reason we have explained the following in the "FAQs" under point 4:

In the German medical literature chronic Lyme disease is still negated and is said to be the incurable "Post-Lyme Syndrome".  The scientific community that agrees with this statement believes that Borrelia are completely destroyed after 2-3 weeks of antibiotics. 

This opinion is not shared by the BCA, BCB, or the German Borreliosis Society.  The rely on extensive research by the ILADS (www.ilads.org) and their own experience and knowledge.  According to their view Borrelia bacteria are "intelligent", locomotive spirochaetes, that know how to escape the body's immune defense and also some antibiotics.  You might have heard that Borrelia are "persistent", which means that they can "camouflage" and "hide" themselves.  

The participating physicians of the German Borreliosis Society and the BCA recommend a long-term antibiotic treatment over several months, possibly with altering antibtiotics.  These physicians are experienced with the broad range of antibiotics and recommend accompanying therapies to compensate possible side effects of the antibiotics from the beginning onwards.

Both Lyme disease centres, in the North (BCB) and the South (BCA) base their diagnosis and therapy concepts on scientific research including the following articles in .pdf format: 

1. Counterpoint: Long-Term Antibiotic Therapy Improves Persistent Symptoms Associated with Lyme Disease (IDSA Lecture 2006), Raphael B. Stricker M.D., ILADS – option for download http://www.ilads.org/files/publications_stricker_06_2007.pdf
2. Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease – Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses, Joseph J. Burrascano Jr., M.D. (16^th edition, October 2008 – option for download: http://www.lymediseaseresource.com/BurrGuide2008.pdf
3. Macrolide therapy of chronic Lyme Disease (2003), Sam T. Donta, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, U.S.A. – option for download http://direct.bl.uk/bld/PlaceOrder.do?UIN=141748603&ETOC=RN&from=searchengine

For further information please ask your physician, a member of staff of the BCA or view the following books/documents:

1. The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Evidence-based guidelines for the management of Lyme Disease - option for download http://www.ilads.org/files/ILADS_Guidelines.pdf
2. Very comprehensively written is "The Lyme Disease Solution" by Kenneth B. Singleton, M.D., M.P.H. (ISBN 978-1-934812-00-6 / Brown Books, Dallas) http://www.lymedoctor.com

The articles mentioned above are supposed to show that classic medical approach with a long-term antibiosis is the primary therapy approach.  This is supported in terms of holistic approach to therapy with accompanying treatments.

On behalf of the German Borreliosis Society, the BCA arranges workshops and training sessions for interested GPs and specialists.  These workshops or training sessions are supposed to give physicians, who are still in doubt, a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of chronic Lyme disease and co-infections.

The Borreliose Centrum Augsburg offers different presentations and seminars about Lyme Disease (Diagnosis and Therapy Possibilities), Lyme Disease Intensive Treatment (Holistic Approach), Naturopathic Treatments, Strengthening of the Immune System, Preventive Medicine, etc. to interested patients and patient support groups.

Upcoming Presentations:

If you are interested in one of our presentations which take place in the BCA, please register under Tel. +49 (0)821 455 471-0.

If you are interested to invite one of our physicians for a presentation to your support group or association of a risk group of borreliosis (rangers, hunters, police, etc.) please contact us.   Tel. +49 (0)821 455 471-0  or email us at service@borreliosecentrum.de . 

Workshops and Course Offers:

A range of courses and workshops primarily for Lyme disease patients as well as in the theme of preventative medicine are offered at the BCA.

Training Opportunities for Doctors:

The BCA, and from now on the BCB as well, regularly offer training workshops about "Lyme Disease Diagnostics and Therapy" to doctors (please see upcoming event above).  Dr. Nicolaus and Dr. Schwarzbach are active members of the German Borreliosis Society and ILADS; they have also contributed to the recommendations of the German Borreliosis Society "Diagnostic and Therapy of Lyme Disease".  You can download a copy of the recommendations here or at www.borreliose-gesellschaft.de.

The BCA is also very interested in cooperating with other doctors in Germany or elsewhere.  Besides the service of laboratory diagnoses in terms of Lyme disease, we can also offer a colaboration in terms of treating chronic Lyme disease patients intensively in Augsburgburg.  The patients are introduced to the therapy at the BCA (usually 1 - 2 weeks) and are then transferred to their GP at home to continue the therapy there. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.