Lyme Biofilm

In UNDER OUR SKIN (   / openeyepictures  ) Dr. Alan MacDonald first discovered that the microorganisms that cause Lyme disease can exist in colonies of bacterial biofilms. This theory is now widely accepted and explains why the bacteria are difficult to diagnose and can persist after treatment. This video demonstrates the normative biological state of Borrelia Burgdorferi, a biofilm community. David Luecke at UNH points out the different lifeforms of this wily gram-negative bacteria that cause chronic Lyme disease. The green fragments on the screen are DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi strain B31, fluorescently tagged to glow under a dark field microscope. The documentary Why Am I Still Sick? explores biofilm infections and how they cause debilitating illnesses for so many Americans. The father of biofilms, Dr. William "Bill" Costerton, and acclaimed wound specialist, Dr. Randy Wolcott, along with an impressive group of medical experts, illuminate the role of biofilms in creating chronic conditions. Expert interviews, patients' stories and striking graphics demonstrate: How bacterial biofilms form sequestered communities within all parts of the human body; How biofilms help microbes "talk" among themselves, other species, and exchange genetic programs specific to antibiotic resistance; The startling numbers of patients ping-ponged within a medical system of outdated diagnostics; Critical linkages between oral hygiene and systemic health. The film paints a grim picture of diagnostics within the American medical system, but presents solutions through breakthroughs in molecular diagnostics and treatments. These biofilm innovations prevent chronic suffering, save lives, limbs, and millions of Medicare dollars. http://www.whyamistillsick.com