
ILADS European Scientific Conference
May 1-3, 2025
Lisbon, Portugal

Thank you to everyone that helped make the 2025 ILADS European Conference a success. If you are interested in purchasing videos from the event, please click here.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credit
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163
Professions in scope for this activity are listed below.
Physicians
Amedco LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 15.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Conference Schedule*
*Subject to change

Narges Bahi, PhD
Narges Bahi, PhD
Narges Bahi has a PhD in theoretical biology. She has an expertise in data analysis and modelling of infectious diseases. She developed the concept of stochastic selection pressure for explaining the evolution of viruses in terms of virulence and transmission mode (Bahi-Jaber et al, 2008). She also worked on the effect of the co-circulation of several pathogens in a host population on their co-evolution (Gonzalez et al, 2010). She was involved in several European projects aiming at understanding the epidemiology and immunological determinants of Leishmania infection. She also conducted research on the concept of Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). Presently, she is the head of the scientific division of the European Association of Bio-Immune(G)ene Medicine where she develops clinical an in-vitro studies on ultra-low doses of non-coding ARNs.

Sigrid Blehle, MD
Sigrid Blehle, MD
Ms. Blehle studied human medicine in Gießen (Germany) and received her license to practice medicine in 1989. In 1995 she successfully completed her advanced training as a specialist in general medicine. Afterwards, Ms Blehle worked in various management positions as well as in consulting both within and outside the health care system in Germany. 2010-2011 she successfully completed the Health Economics, which she completed with the Health Economist (ebs) and with the M.B.A. Health Care Management. She has a wide range of medical knowledge, especially in rheumatology field and autoimmune diseases. Since 2017 she has been working exclusively on the field of tick-borne diseases, first as deputy medical director and as partner of Dr. Nicolaus in the BCA. Dr. Nicolaus left the patient care in April 2020 and Mrs. Blehle took over his part of the private practice of the BCA. Since then she continues the care of all patients in the private practice Alviasana. She is a member of the German Borreliosis Society and ILADS.

András Pál Bózsik, MSc
András Pál Bózsik, MSc
András Pál Bózsik, MSc biophysicist, specialised in IVD diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis (28 years of research), PhD student on laboratory investigation of Borrelia species. Guest lecturer at the Semmelweis University of Budapest on the topic of laboratory investigation of Lyme borreliosis.

Robert Bransfield, MD
Robert Bransfield, MD
Dr. Robert C. Bransfield, MD, DLFAPA is a graduate of Rutgers College and the George Washington University School of Medicine. He trained at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital, is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Dr. Bransfield’s primary activity is an office based private practice of psychiatry. Dr Bransfield is the Past President of ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation and the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. He has held a number of administrative positions with hospitals and organizations involved with health, mental health and community related activities and has received multiple awards from the APA and ILADS, including the Pioneer Award. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers—RWJ Medical School and the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Dr. Bransfield’s clinical activities has focused upon treating patients who are considered to be treatment resistant. Many of these patients were found to have infectious disease contributors to their psychiatric symptoms. As a result, his research has often focused upon the association between infectious disease and mental illness. Dr. Bransfield has authored and co-authored a number of publications in peer-reviewed and other literature and has been active in political advocacy on an international, national, state and local level.

Joe Diederich, MD
Joe Diederich, MD

John Gaitanis, MD
John Gaitanis, MD

Kunal Garg, MSc.
Kunal Garg, MSc.
Kunal Garg is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Tezted Ltd, a Finland-based IVD manufacturing company specializing in innovative diagnostic tools for infectious and chronic diseases. With a Master’s degree in Nanoscience from the University of Jyväskylä and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology, Kunal has pioneered advancements in multiplex diagnostics and nanoparticle-based detection systems. Recognized in *Forbes 30 Under 30* for his contributions to tick-borne disease diagnostics, he has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and holds patents for cutting-edge diagnostic methods. His work bridges science, entrepreneurship, and public health, driving impactful innovations globally.

Sabine Hazan, MD
Sabine Hazan, MD
As a specialist in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and hepatology, Dr. Hazan has used her medical expertise in many regards over the last two decades. As the founder & CEO of Progenabiome, a genetic sequencing research laboratory, she leads 35+ studies investigating the role of the gut flora in various diseases (see current list here). Dr. Hazan is also the CEO of Ventura Clinical Trials, where she has 20+ years experience leading clinical trials for cutting-edge research on various medical issues. Since March 2020, she has been at the forefront of COVID-19 research, leading ongoing FDA-approved clinical trials for treatment and prophylaxis (details here). Through their study exploring the role of the gut flora in COVID-19, Progenabiome became the first lab worldwide to detect SARS-CoV-2 from Patient Fecal Samples by Whole Genome Sequencing. See data published in Gut Pathogens and the lab that identified Bifidobacteria as a key lost microbes in severe COVID patients.

Casey Kelley, MD
Casey Kelley, MD
Casey Kelley, MD, ABoIM has dedicated her career to transforming lives by uncovering the root causes of chronic illness and empowering patients to achieve vibrant health and lasting wellness. As a board-certified physician in both Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine, Dr. Kelley is a trailblazer in the field of Functional Medicine and an internationally recognized expert on complex conditions like Lyme disease.
Dr. Kelley is the founder and medical director of Case Integrative Health in Chicago, established in 2019, where she and her team provide cutting-edge, patient-centered care focused on addressing the underlying causes of illness to restore vitality and longevity. She is also a faculty member at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, where she teaches the next generation of medical leaders.
A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Kelley is a 15-year member of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and has served as Treasurer for the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). Known for her dynamic national lectures, she shares her expertise on Lyme disease and other health topics to educate clinicians and empower patients worldwide.

Lynn Klassen, ND
Lynn Klassen, ND
Dr. Klassen, ND, and Dr. Mukai, ND, are experts in vector-borne and complex chronic diseases. International speakers and educators, they lead innovative programs at Tandem Clinic, mentoring practitioners, advancing naturopathic medicine, and improving patient outcomes through early detection, collaborative care, and promoting research in Lyme disease and related conditions.

John (Jack) Lambert, MD, PhD
John (Jack) Lambert, MD, PhD
Consultant Infectious Diseases, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital & Rotunda Hospital and Full Professor, UCD School of Medicine, UCD, Ireland.
Dr John Lambert is a consultant in Infectious diseases and genitourinary medicine, and has been practicing in Dublin Ireland as a consultant in the Mater and Rotunda Maternity hospitals, with teaching appointments at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science. He was director of the National Isolation Unit for Highly Infectious Diseases at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (2008-2019) and a member of the National Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Committee of the HSE (Irish Health Service Executive). He has also been involved in the Sexual Health Strategy group in Ireland and teaching GP in Ireland on the subject of STDs. He has presented widely in the field of Lyme and co infections in the last 5 years through EU and USA conferences supported by the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS). He is co-chair of the“One Health” steering committee of UNA EUROPA, an alliance of 11 European universities.

Tatjana Mijatovic, PhD
Tatjana Mijatovic, PhD
Tatjana Mijatovic holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. T. Mijatovic authored 53 publications in peer-reviewed journals (21 as first or senior author/ 32 as co-author) and holds 2 granted patents as first author. Since 2011 T. Mijatovic has been Project Leader, Lab Manager and CSO at R.E.D. Laboratories. R.E.D. Laboratories is Belgium-based Biotech Company developing and performing specialty tests to assess multifactorial afflictions like TBDs, CFS, chronic immune dysfunctions, chronic infections, intestinal dysfunctions, autism, etc. Dr Mijatovic is active in a number of international scientific groups and networks. Previously, Dr Mijatovic performed as (i) R&D Project Leader and Head of Biology in Biotech Company specialized in the discovery of new anti-cancer agents, (ii) Publications Manager consultant for Pharmaceutical Companies and (iii) scientist at the University of Brussels (ULB) in Belgium.

Branislav Milovanovic, MD, PhD
Branislav Milovanovic, MD, PhD
Dr. Milovanovic is a full time professor of internal medicine and cardiology in the School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Currently serving as Head of Neurocardiological Laboratory of Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases “Dedinje” in Belgrade. He was educated by professor Christopher Mathias at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, in the world reference laboratory for testing of the Autonomic Nervous System. From January 2016, he has been a member of the European Academy of Science and Arts,the leading scientific society in Europe. Main fields of interest are post infection syndromes, autonomic nervous system, noninvasive electrocardiology and risk stratification.

Thomas Moorcroft, DO
Thomas Moorcroft, DO
Dr. Tom, America’s Lyme Recovery Expert & host of The Lyme Insider podcast, treats some of the most sensitive patients suffering from chronic Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, mold illness & children with PANS/PANDAS. He is the creator of the Lyme Disease Practitioner Mentorship program where he distills over 15 years of experience as a chronic disease recovery expert into a unique approach that allows practitioners to consistently excel at treating patients with complex, chronic illnesses

Omar Morales, MD
Omar Morales, MD
Dr. Omar Morales was born in San Diego and lived in Tijuana until 2003. He studied at The University of Guadalajara, receiving a secondary degree in Transfusion Medicine with a focus on immunological diseases. He later moved to Puerto Vallarta where he developed a special interest in treating tropical diseases with a hematological approach. He is CEO and founder of Lyme Mexico Clinic which employs a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to address the challenges of Lyme disease. Additionally, Dr. Morales is currently Chair of the ILADS Latin America work group, on the advisory board of CA Spinal Rehab Clinic, oversees the Puerto Vallarta blood bank, serves as the Medical Sub-Director of the Biomedical Center, and is President/Co-Founder of Biomedical Cancer Institute. Dr. Morales is also an active researcher of the renowned Biomedical Center de Occidente and contributes to national and international publications.

Peter L. Nara, DVM, PhD
Peter L. Nara, DVM, PhD
Dr. Nara is a distinguished Alumni of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine 2014, and an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2011. His comparative medical research interests are to more fully understand how early and pre-determined events in the host innate and acquired immune systems are sculpted and bias the development of protective long lasting responses against infectious pathogens and cancer capable of undergoing mutational escape. More importantly he and his team are interested in developing new technologies and strategies to circumvent the non-protective immune responses for the development of novel classes of immunobiotics and vaccines focused on the prevention of disease and are translating these into viable products via a new academic- private-commercial model.

Amy Offutt, MD
Amy Offutt, MD
Dr. Offutt is the medical director and co-owner of Heart & Soul Integrative Health and Yoga which she co-founded with her husband, Brad, in 2007, located in Marble Falls, Texas. Her first seven years of practice were focused on rural family medicine and obstetrics after which she transitioned to approach the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases using integrative medicine. She completed medical school at The University ofTexas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio and completed a residency in Family Medicine at Christus Health. She has completed a fellowship with the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and has a Master’s Degree in Integrative Medicine from George Washington University.

Daniel Pfeifer, PhD
Daniel Pfeifer, PhD
Prof. Pfeifer teaches Applied Computer Science in the Medical Informatics program of Heilbronn and Heidelberg Universities. He has a strong background in data processing and software engineering. In recent years he put focus on developing Metagenomics software in particular to advance and simplify the detection of pathogens.

Juergen Richt, DVM, PhD
Juergen Richt, DVM, PhD
Juergen A Richt, DVM, PhD came to Kansas State University in 2008 as The Regents Distinguished Professor and Kansas Bioscience Eminent Scholar. In 2010, he became Director of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD) and in 2020 Director the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) called Center on Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (CEZID). He received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Munich and PhD in Virology and Immunology from the University of Giessen, both in Germany. After coming to the United States in 1989, he completed three years of postdoctoral/residency studies at The Johns Hopkins University and later served for eight years as a Veterinary Medical Officer at the National Animal Disease Center (USDA-ARS) in Ames, Iowa. He has edited several books, published more than 250 peer-reviewed manuscripts and raised more than $50 million in grants for veterinary research since 2008.
Dr. Richt is a pioneer in veterinary science, most notably in the “One Health” field. His work on high consequence pathogens with zoonotic and transboundary potential led to strategies to identify, control and/or eradicate such agents.

Herbert Rixecker, MD, PhD
Herbert Rixecker, MD, PhD

Armin Schwarzbach, MD, PhD
Armin Schwarzbach, MD, PhD
Dr. Armin Schwarzbach, Medical Doctor and Specialist for Laboratory Medicine, founder of ArminLabs, has been at the forefront of tick-borne research for more than 20 years and is an expert in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. He is an Advisory Board member of AONM London, England, and Board Member of the German Borreliosis Society and former Board Member and Member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), and Board Member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (ILADEF) and has served as an expert on advisory committees on Lyme Disease in Australia, Canada, Ireland, France, England, Sweden and Germany.

Jinyu Shan, PhD
Jinyu Shan, PhD
Jinyu Shan, PhD in molecular microbiology, is an experienced microbiologist specialising in medical microbiology, phage therapy, and infectious disease diagnostics. Since 2008, he has focused on phage-based diagnostics and therapeutics, pioneering biomarker research for Lyme disease. He has led lab management and R&D, judged the LymeX Prize, and guest-edited journals.

Anjum Usman Singh, MD, FAAFP
Anjum Usman Singh, MD, FAAFP

Louis Teulieres, MD
Louis Teulieres, MD
Studied Medicine at the University of Toulouse and Nice in France then in t Institut Pasteur de Paris where he got Bacteriology 1982 Epidemiology degrees in 1983 and Immunology 1984. Acted as head of bacteriology at International Pasteur institutes Network, then clinical research director in Paris. He now works in Private clinics treating chronic immune and infectious diseases. He is also co-founder of the Leicester University /Phelix Charity Bacteriophages joint group.

Felicity Tso, MD, PhD Candidate
Felicity Tso, MD, PhD Candidate
Poster Presenters

Barbaros Cetin, PhD
Barbaros Cetin, PhD
Born in Hafik-Sivas in 1959, Dr. Barbaros Çetin earned a PhD in Biology from Ankara University and conducted post-doctoral research in Europe with prestigious scholarships. He discovered the moss species Cinclidotus nyholmiae and received awards from the Swedish Academy of Sciences. He held academic and leadership roles at Ankara and Dokuz Eylül Universities, contributing to national and international scientific bodies. Since 2005, he has focused on tick-borne diseases, especially Lyme, presenting at ILADS and advising the WHO through the Ad Hoc Committee on Borreliosis Codes and on human rights in chronic Lyme disease care.

Joe Diederich, MD
Joe Diederich, MD

Rosalie Greenberg, MD
Rosalie Greenberg, MD
Dr. Rosalie Greenberg is a Board-Certified Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatrist, known for her expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex psychiatric problems in children, and pediatric psychopharmacology.
Dr. Greenberg received her MD from Columbia University-College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she also completed her training in adult psychiatry, as well as a fellowship in child psychiatry, serving as chief resident. She subsequently served for years on the teaching faculty at Columbia.
A believer in the power of education, Dr. Greenberg is an author, researcher, lecturer, co-producer of an educational film, and creator and host of an award-winning cable TV show, all related to children’s health. These various activities have been geared to both medical professionals and the public, including presentations at both national and international conferences. Dr. Greenberg brings her 40+ years of experience to topics that range from adolescent suicide and pediatric bipolar disorder as well as the many psychological aspects attributed to Lyme disease. Working in New Jersey, where Lyme disease is endemic, she found a sizable number of the children she evaluated, tested positive for tick-borne illness, most of whom never had a known tick bite. For the past few years, she has focused on the psychiatric manifestations of infectious diseases, especially, tick-borne illnesses in children and adolescents.
Her private practice is in Summit NJ
