Animal To Human Link For LymesIn rare cases, Lyme disease apparently can be spread from animal to animal - and to humans - through contact with bodily fluids. And it appears that common fleas and other insects could pass the bacteria from infected animals to humans, said researchers at a National Institutes of Health workshop. No cases have been documented, but it's probable'' that a flea or biting fly could transmit the Lyme bacteria from an infected animal to a human. It happens with many, many diseases. There's no reason it wouldn't happen with Lyme disease. Doctors report unconfirmed cases of transmission by blood transfusion, horse bites and contact with deer blood. It's rare, but people who work around horses and other animals need to be aware of it. A discovery in a urine sample of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease has prompted erroneous reports of possible sexual transmission of the disease. There is no evidence that it can be transmitted sexually, experts are emphasizing. The discovery, by Joanne Stanfield of the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, was reported at a symposium at Fox Chase. It raised the question of sexual transmission. John Anderson, director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, was at the symposium. There is no evidence that Lyme disease is transmitted sexually. It is transmitted through the bite of a tick.'' Doctors from eight USA medical centers are heralding a new treatment for a rare blood disorder that prevents children from fighting off infections. |