Tick Boot Camp Podcast
Professor Ed Breitschwerdt was featured on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast:
Background
Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt, a distinguished scholar and clinician, currently holds several notable positions in the field of medicine. He serves as a Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center.
Professional Role
Dr. Breitschwerdt’s professional endeavors also extend to multiple research laboratories. He leads the Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory in the Institute for Comparative Medicine at North Carolina State University, exploring the intricacies of vector-transmitted, intracellular pathogens. Alongside this, he co-directs the Vector Borne Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, further emphasizing his role as an essential figure in infectious diseases research.
His tenure as a supervisor of a biosafety level P-3 research laboratory demonstrates his commitment to safety and stringent research guidelines. Additionally, he has been co-supervising the Tick-transmitted Diagnostic Laboratory since 1984, showcasing his enduring dedication to unraveling the mysteries of vector-borne diseases.
Research Focus
Dr. Breitschwerdt’s research is characterized by his special emphasis on Bartonella, a topic widely explored in his numerous publications. Notably, he was awarded a grant to investigate the association between Bartonella, Borrelia, and Pediatric Tourette’s, further enriching our understanding of these diseases.
Key Contributions
One of his significant contributions is a pilot study examining Bartonella infections in people diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The study leveraged a novel diagnostic technology, Bartonella ddPCR, which Dr. Breitschwerdt described as more sensitive than previous tests. This groundbreaking research found Bartonella DNA in 12 of the 17 patients with schizophrenia, compared to only one of the 13 in the control group, indicating a possible link between the infection and these mental health conditions.
In Conclusion
Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt’s work continues to expand our knowledge of vector-transmitted, intracellular pathogens and their impact on human health. His commitment to research, his innovative use of technology, and his pioneering investigations make him a standout figure in the field of medicine and infectious diseases.
