News
2nd European ILADS Meeting in Augsburg, May 27-28, 2011
We are delighted to announce the 2nd European ILADS Meeting to be held in Augsburg from May 27-28, 2011. You can find detailed information about the program and the conference, as well as an online registration on the ILADS Website using this link: 
http://www.ilads.org/lyme_programs/lyme_events_german.html
Click here to download a PDF file with the official invitation to the conference by ILADS President Dr. Robert Bransfield, the conference program and additional information.
On 19th Feburary 2011 a doctor's seminar organised by the BCA-clinic will be held on "Lyme disease and other associated illnesses - diagnostics, therapy and current situation". The seminar language is German and will take place at the Tagungshotel am Alten Park in Augsburg.
You can download an invitation to the seminar with a program overview and registration 
here
Borreliose Centrum Blankenburg closed
The Borreliose Centrum Blankenburg (BCB) in Blankenburg/Harz was unexpectedly closed on 1st December 2010.
The operating company, represented by Mr. Kieschke, has canceled all contracts with a short notice, even though the BCB has been working very successfully. As a reason the operating company stated that there were not enough doctors and it was impossible to find more doctors. From spring 2011, the building ("Alte Poliklinik" Blankenburg) will be used as a psychosomatic clinic.
As of now, the BCA-clinic is available for all patients. If needed patient data and records will be made available to us to continue treatments.
EU funded Project for Lyme Disease Diagnostics
The Laboratory Lyme-Antibody-Tests are very often false negative. The BCA-clinic is part of an EU-funded research project (7th Framework Program), which brings together EU-nations including Germany, Spain, Finnland, Belgium and Portugal. The research project involves developing tests and potential test validations. The aim of the EU-funded research project is to develop sensitive, new Lyme tests based on the modern Biochip Technology.
The Karl McManus Foundation
We would like to point out the newly founded Karl McManus Foundation 
www.karlmcmanusfoundation.org.au. The aim of the Karl McManus Foundation is to erode the barriers to the recognition and treatment of Borreliosis, especially neuroborreliosis, in Australia and to contribute to knowledge in the world about borreliosis and other tick-borne infections.
Note:
Some physicians doubt the long-term antibiosis and warn their patients about 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-clinic 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-clinic 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.
Diagnostics and therapy concepts in the BCA-clinic are based on scientific research including the following articles in .pdf format:
- 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
- Advanced Topics in Lyme Disease – Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses, Joseph J. Burrascano Jr., M.D. (16th edition, October 2008 – option for download: http://www.lymediseaseresource.com/BurrGuide2008.pdf
- 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-clinic or view the following books/documents:
- 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
- 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
It is sometimes mentioned that the BCA-clinic only offers alternative treatments !(?)
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-clinic arranges workshops and training sessions for interested physicians. 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 BCA-clinic offers different presentations and seminars about Lyme Disease (Diagnostics 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-clinic, 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 Lyme disease (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 about Lyme and associated diseases are offered at the BCA-clinic.
Training Opportunities for Doctors:
The BCA-clinic 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 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) and the German Borreliosis Society; 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-clinic is always interested in cooperating with other doctors in Germany or elsewhere. Besides specialised laboratory diagnostic services, we can also offer a colaboration in terms of treating chronic Lyme disease patients intensively in Augsburg. The patients are introduced to the therapy at the BCA-clinic (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.