Does stem cell therapy work for the neurological form of Lyme disease?

There is currently no scientific evidence that stem cell therapy works for the neurological form of Lyme disease, also known as neuroborreliosis.

There is currently no approved or proven stem cell treatment for Lyme disease (neurological or otherwise). Studies of stem cell therapy for infectious diseases (such as Lyme disease) are experimental, usually in vitro (in the lab) or in animals, but not in humans with neuroborreliosis.

The European Federation of Neurological Societies and the CDC (US) clearly state that the only proven treatment for neuroborreliosis is antibiotics (such as ceftriaxone or doxycycline, depending on the stage).

Some private clinics in Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, or Asia offer stem cell therapy for chronic Lyme disease or neurological Lyme disease. They claim that stem cells reset the immune system, help repair nerve tissue, and reduce inflammation.

However, so far, this has not been confirmed in controlled clinical studies. The available reports are anecdotal or from the providers themselves, without peer-reviewed publication.

Stem cell therapy is not without risks. There are reports of infections, immune reactions, and even tumor formation in unproven applications. Because it is unregulated, quality, cell type, and administration method can vary widely. Costs are often high (several thousand euros per treatment), with no guarantee of effectiveness.

Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5882063/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-10-21 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026