VTI Presentation

Title

VTI Presentation: Vector Transmitted Infections (VTI’s), Insights and Challenges

Abstract

Vector Transmitted Infections are becoming more prevalent; and it’s not just ticks and it’s not just Lyme disease.  Bartonella infections seem to be increasingly spread by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, mites, and bed bugs. Increased recognition and treatment of these infections is important.  Awareness of presenting symptoms is crucial.  Serology testing appears to be inadequate.  Brain MRI’s may be more helpful than serology. Treatment may have to be based on possible exposure, symptom presentation, and response to treatment trial.

Experience

  • Assessed and treated 200 possible VTI cases between 2006 and 2013

Learning Objectives

  • Recognition of emerging VTI’s.
  • Brain MRI’s verses serology.
  • Differentiation of VTI’s from symptom constellations.
  • Treatment of VTI’s.

Outline

  • Brief overview of VTI’s
  • Diagnostic Difficulties
  • Borreliosis
  • Batonellosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Erlichiosis
  • Viruses
  • Testing
  • Clinical Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Case Presentations
  • MRI vs Serology
  • Prevalence of Bartonellosis
  • Summary

Previous Presentations

  • Several public presentations
  • NS Naturopathic Association 2012

Biography

  • BSc (HonBio), St FXU, 1973
  • Doctor of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1978
  • American College for Advancement in Medicine, Lyme workshop, 2010
  • International Lyme and Associated Disease Society Conference, 2010, 2011

Expenses

  • Travel
  • Accommodation
  • Stipend