Organized Crime in the Microbiome: How Hidden Infections Drive Alzheimer’s, Autoimmunity, and Chronic Disease with Nikki Schultek

<p>What if diseases like Alzheimer&#39;s, interstitial cystitis, or severe asthma aren&#39;t just mysterious autoimmune failures, but are actually driven by hidden, stealth infections? In this eye-opening episode of the <em>Lyme+ Podcast</em>, hosts Dan and Kenzie sit down with <strong>Nikki Schultek</strong>, Principal and Founder of Intracell Research Group, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Alzheimer&#39;s Pathobiome Initiative, and Founding Director of Pathobiome Research at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).</p><p>After surviving a year of terrifying, multi-system illness—including air hunger, severe asthma, debilitating bladder pain, and neurological symptoms mimicking MS, Nikki turned to medical research to save her own life. Her late-night Google search unveiled the connection between stealth pathogens like <em>Chlamydia pneumoniae</em> and chronic inflammation, completely altering her life&#39;s work. Now, Nikki works alongside world-renowned scientists to pioneer diagnostic consensus protocols and research how polymicrobial &quot;organized crime&quot; in the body drives neurodegenerative and chronic conditions.</p><p><strong>Connect with Our Guest &amp; Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Research Initiatives:</strong> Learn more about the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://alzpathobiome.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Alzheimer&#39;s Pathobiome Initiative</a> and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Pathobiome Research Center.</p></li><li><p><strong>Diagnostics Mentioned:</strong> Galaxy Diagnostics (NanoTrap urine testing for Borrelia), antibody testing for <em>Chlamydia pneumoniae</em>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Literature Referenced:</strong></p><ul><li><p><em>Alzheimer&#39;s &amp; Dementia</em> (2023) paper on infectious dementia</p></li><li><p>Dr. Bernard Raxlen &amp; Allie Cashel (<em>Lyme Disease: Medical Myopia</em>)</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Organization Highlight:</strong> <a href="https://www.ilads.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF)</a>.</p></li></ul><p>Don&#39;t miss an episode of the <strong>Lyme+ Podcast</strong>! Find us and subscribe on your favorite streaming platform:🎧 <strong>Spotify</strong> | 🎙️ <strong>Apple Podcasts</strong></p><p><em>Disclaimer: The views expressed on Lyme+ are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect