Southwest Center For Chronic Disease Inc

To map the microbiome in a larger sample of MS, ALS, and to add Parkinson's patients. Our first study implicated two organisms in a complex relationship. We will collaborate with an Institution to sample cerebrovascular vessels post-mortem for biofilm communities. In a subset of ALS patient we wish to engage in antimicrobial drug discovery against the microbe discovered in all ALS patients. (Publication pending )

To expand on our published findings that vascular plaque is a complex of living organisms. We would like to enlist multiple centers worldwide for a more global view of these populations before pursuing a drug discovery program. The global mapping of the biofilm will be from coronary plaque using fresh cadaveric or recent atherectomy samples. We wish to participate with institutions internationally.
In addition we would like to re-characterize the make-up of coronary plaque.

Over 30% of Gulf War I veterans now have been diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. Our work indicates that it is due to a common microbe found in the desert soils of the Mideast. We would include serial blood sampling and pulmonary sampling . Intervention drug protocol has been established to test and treat patients and to follow serially for 12-18 months. This is both a diagnostic and intervention study discussed with the VA and the Los Alamos National Research Laboratories. This is a not a viral approach which has been the major focus in the past.