EuroLyme Plan July 2022

LymePlus covers the disease caused by
- all borrelia species
- all tick bite infections
- linked bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi

The initiative asks respect
- for European vision on democracy
- for innovative research

Proposal 1 on the revision of the EU General Pharmaceutical Legislation

LymePlus is often treated with antimicrobials, which work well if taken properly as of the first signs of infection (fatigue, fever, headache). However, if left unattended, the disease can have a huge impact on the body.

Thus, EuroLyme welcomes the interest in new classes of antimicrobials.

Unfortunately, products based on plant extracts are unpatentable, so the funding for their research is critical.
Nevertheless, as plant extracts can replace specific antimicrobials or reduce their consumption, this alternative should be explored and subject to more investment.

Proposal 2 on the revision of the EU Legislation on Blood, Tissues and Cells

Lyme disease (including Borreliosis), which is transmitted to humans by infected ticks, is the most common and increasing zoonosis in Europe.

EuroLyme is creating a web page describing additional precautions taken in each Member State with respect to pretesting of pathogens.
The web page shows big diversity in these precautions.

The diagnosis of Lyme Borreliosis is difficult and tests are unreliable.
Tests are even less reliable to verify effectiveness of treatment.

Since blood tests are unreliable, it is impossible to demonstrate contamination via blood transfusion.

In the onset of Lyme Borreliosis, for most patients symptoms are mild, so these patients are not aware of the infection.
Many Lyme patients did not notice the tick bite, nor Erythema Migrans.
Non diagnosed and ineffectively treated patients are not aware of risks by donating blood.

EuroLyme recommends to be more restrained in using blood donated by Lyme patients.

Proposal 3 on reliability of blood tests

Since the reliability of existing Lyme blood tests is not well examined, a big comparison is needed.

All borrelia species should be included.

Research based on tests (even if experimental) showing the end an active infection, can bring more accurate views on the treatment.
Therefore repeated testing of a patient group with the few current blood tests showing the end of an active infection, needs extra attention.

Blood tests to be compared are :
- DualDur
- Phelix Phage
- several evolved ELISA
- several evolved (Western)Blot

For understanding the link with patient symptoms, the blood test results can be compared to a questionnaire (e.g. Horowitz Lyme-MSIDS Questionnaire).