Dr. Jennifer Miller
PhD
Biography
Meet The Speaker
Jennifer Miller, PhD holds a doctorate in microbiology, immunology, and molecular
genetics. She is a highly experienced microbiologist with over 20 years of expertise in vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, Leptospira interrogans, and Bartonella species. She leads clinical assay development and CLIA validation efforts and oversees the diagnostic test portfolio at Galaxy Diagnostics. CLIA-certified, high-complexity, laboratory-developed assays commercially launched under
Jennifer Miller’s direction include serological, molecular diagnostic, and direct antigen tests for vector-borne pathogens, including Lyme Borrelia and Bartonella species. She also oversees in-house, collaborative, contract, foundation, and federally funded research and development efforts. Jennifer Miller’s work has been pivotal in advancing the company’s
diagnostic capabilities, drawing from her diverse experience in research and clinical testing.
When It's Not "Just Bartonella": Babesia and the Neuropsychiatric Connection
Most providers associate Babesia with a familiar symptom cluster: air hunger, severe
fatigue, and night sweats. Less recognized is its potential role in neuropsychiatric
presentations, which may instead be attributed to Bartonella alone. Drawing on 27 cases from three sources—a Galaxy Diagnostics case series, a published study of suicide cases, and a documented Alzheimer’s disease case—Dr. Miller examines the repeated detection
of Babesia in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms for whom babesiosis was not
initially suspected. In many cases, Babesia was identified alongside Bartonella or Borrelia, rather than as an isolated infection. The presentation highlights cases in which direct molecular testing detected pathogen DNA despite negative serology from the same blood draw. It also explores the association between Babesia positivity and reactive Bartonella titers and reviews the range of treatment approaches reported across these cases. Attendees will leave with a practical diagnostic consideration: include Babesia in the differential for selected neuropsychiatric presentations, not only for patients with the classic symptom profile. The findings also support considering direct molecular testing
when clinical suspicion persists despite negative serology.
