A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine in April 2025 has identified a new type of brain lesion—the broad rim lesion (BRL)—which may predict rapid disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). While researchers suggest BRLs could serve as biomarkers for aggressive MS, the findings inadvertently support a perspective that we have long advocated: MS is not an autoimmune disease—it is a parasitic infestation.
What Are Broad Rim Lesions?
In this study, researchers analyzed brain tissue from 186 deceased MS patients and performed advanced imaging on 114 living individuals with MS. They discovered that patients with faster disease progression were more likely to have BRLs—lesions characterized by a thick rim of immune cells, particularly myeloid immune cells, surrounding the damaged area. These lesions were linked to increased inflammation, iron accumulation, and markers of cellular stress and death.
People with broad rim lesions became disabled faster, which suggests these lesions could be a warning sign of more severe and faster-moving MS.
Immune Response or Defense Mechanism?
The study interprets the immune activity in BRLs as a harmful response contributing to disease progression. However, this perspective overlooks a critical question: What is triggering this immune response?
The body’s immune system doesn’t activate without cause. The observed inflammation, iron deposits, and cellular stress within BRLs are consistent with the body’s defense mechanisms against persistent infections. This aligns with historical and more current research indicating that various parasitic infections can cause similar neurological damage.
Parasitic Infections and MS: The Overlooked Connection
1. Fungal Infections: Candida and Mold
Decades ago, physicians like Dr. William Crook, Dr. Orian Truss, Dr. Luc DeShepper and Dr Zoltan Rona proposed that fungal overgrowth, particularly Candida, could be linked to chronic diseases, including MS. Subsequent studies have detected fungi in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue of MS patients, suggesting a potential role in disease pathology.
2. Borrelia: The Lyme Disease Bacterium
Early 20th-century research identified spirochete bacteria likeBorrelia, in the brains of MS patients. Dr. Alan MacDonald later confirmed the presence of Borrelia in the central nervous systems of MS patients using modern techniques. These findings suggest a possible infectious component in MS development.
3. Helminths: Worm Infections
Dr. MacDonald also discovered filarial worms and tapeworm larvae in the central nervous systems of MS patients. These parasites are known to cause neurological symptoms in animals, and their presence in human MS patients indicates a potential parasitic involvement in the disease.
4. Protozoa: Plasmodium, Babesia, and Toxoplasma
Protozoan parasites like Plasmodium and Babesia infect red blood cells, leading to vascular inflammation and blockages, which can cause neurological damage. Toxoplasma gondii, another protozoan, forms cysts in brain tissue and disrupts neurotransmitter function, potentially contributing to MS pathology.
Biochemical Markers Linking Parasites and MS
Several biochemical markers associated with MS are also linked to parasitic infections:
- Lactic Acid: Elevated levels in MS patients may result from parasitic metabolism, leading to an acidic environment that exacerbates symptoms.
- Glutamate Toxicity: High glutamate levels, observed in MS lesions, can be induced by parasites like Toxoplasma, leading to neuronal damage.
- Malondialdehyde (MDA): This marker of oxidative stress, linked to MS disability, is also produced during parasitic infections.
- Iron Accumulation: Found in BRLs, iron deposits may result from the body’s attempt to sequester iron from pathogens, a common response to infection.
Reinterpreting Broad Rim Lesions
The characteristics of BRLs—persistent inflammation, immune cell accumulation, and tissue damage—are consistent with the body’s response to chronic parasitic infections. Rather than viewing these lesions solely as markers of disease progression, they may represent the immune system’s ongoing battle against hidden parasitic invaders.
Conclusion
The discovery of broad rim lesions provides valuable insights into MS progression. However, when contextualized with existing research on parasitic infections, these findings support the hypothesis that MS may be driven by chronic parasitic infestations.
Recognizing the infectious nature of MS opens new avenues for treatment, focusing on identifying and eradicating underlying parasitic infections to halt disease progression and provide real recovery and health.
There are real solutions to recover from parasites today!
To restore health, we must focus on treating the cause of inflammation, which are parasites. First, identify the enemy (parasites), then support the body and treat the parasites while following a holistic approach. When parasitic infections are treated effectively, we can overcome inflammation or disease.
If you’re frustrated with the fact that our standard of care STILL doesn’t offer a real solution for treating MS and other diseases, then click on the link below to watch Pam Bartha’s free masterclass training and discover REAL solutions that have allowed Pam and many others to live free from MS and other diseases.
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Clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 28, Pam chose an alternative approach to recovery. Now decades later and still symptom free, she coaches others on how to treat the root cause of chronic disease, using a holistic approach. She can teach you how, too.
Pam is the author of Become a Wellness Champion and founder of Live Disease Free. She is a wellness expert, coach and speaker.
The Live Disease Free Academy has helped hundreds of Wellness Champions in over 15 countries take charge of their health and experience profound improvements in their life.
