Dr. Somer DelSignore
DNP, BC-PNP
Biography
Meet The Speaker
Noticing the limitations of traditional healthcare's focus on symptom management, Dr. Somer DelSignore, a pediatric board-certified provider, was inspired to integrate the depth of integrative pediatric care with the precision of medical science. Her graduate and doctorate studies from PENN and SUNY Upstate Medical University, combined with integrative medicine mentorship and Lyme/PANS training from world renowned experts, has equipped her with a global reputation for developing personalized treatment plans for children. Dr. DelSignore has introduced a revolutionary 10-key approach to address the root causes of immune dysfunction comprehensively. As a member of ILADS, MAPS, and Sigma Theta Tau, her treatments are guided by the latest research, blending her expertise
with genuine compassion to offer hope and quality of life improvements for families. Beyond her technical skills, Dr. DelSignore, prioritizes nutrition, environmental exposures and mental health, highlighting her commitment to treating the whole patient. Hudson
Valley Integrative Health, her brainchild, stands as a testament to her philosophy, combining rigorous, data-driven approaches with a nuanced understanding of health. It's this dedication to personalized, informed care that distinguishes Dr. DelSignore's practice,
making it a beacon for those seeking alternatives to conventional medicine and fostering a healthier, empowered community.
Abstract
Title: Congenital Vector-Borne Diseases: Incidence, Transmission Mechanisms, Prevention Strategies, and Long-Term Pediatric Implications
Abstract:
Congenital vector-borne diseases represent an unrecognized but increasingly critical concern in maternal-fetal and pediatric medicine. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of both well-established and emerging congenital infections, including tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. The session will explore incidence of vertical transmission, developmental sequelae, neuroimmune impact and the role of the maternal immune status.
Mechanisms of vertical transmission, including transplacental passage, perinatal exposure, and the role of maternal immune status, will be discussed in detail. Emphasis will be placed on the growing body of evidence supporting congenital transmission of Lyme, Babesia, and Bartonella, and the clinical implications of persistent maternal infections during pregnancy.
Prevention strategies will include conventional and integrative approaches—such as vector control, maternal screening, immune system optimization, and the use of botanical preventatives with antimicrobial or immunomodulatory properties. Evidence-based review of key herbs (e.g., Japanese knotweed, Andrographis, Cryptolepis, Artemisia), pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements (e.g., vitamin D, zinc, NAC, and omega-3s) will be provided, with attention to their safety and efficacy in pregnancy and pediatric use.
Treatment considerations will span acute and chronic care of affected neonates, infants, and children addressing antimicrobial protocols, herbal and nutraceutical adjuncts, co-infection complexities, detoxification support, and personalized approaches based on individual immune and metabolic profiles. Special attention will be given to immune dysregulation, neurodevelopment delays, and neurocognitive trends in children born with congenital vector- borne diseases, including emerging data on learning disabilities, autism spectrum presentations, and chronic inflammatory responses.
This session aims to increase awareness, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical management of congenital vector-borne diseases, equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge needed to identify, prevent, and support affected children through a multidisciplinary, integrative, and root- cause approach.