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SPEAKER: Dr Athanasios Vergopoulos and Gilian Crowther
TITLE: The Links Between Autoimmunity and Infections: Part 3
DATE: Tuesday 10th November 2026
TIME: 19:00 GMT | 20:00 CET | 14:00 EST
DESCRIPTION:
Autoimmune diseases are often viewed as conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. But could underlying infections be one of the missing pieces of the puzzle?
In this webinar, Gilian Crowther, AONM’s Director of Research and an experienced Nutritional Therapist, is joined by Dr Athanasios Vergopoulos, a medical doctor and specialist in laboratory medicine who also serves as Medical Director for ArminLabs, to explore the growing body of evidence linking chronic infections with the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Drawing on the latest scientific research, Dr Vergopoulos and Gilian will discuss how identifying and addressing underlying infections may help practitioners better understand and support individuals with autoimmune conditions.
In this third part of the series, you’ll discover:
- The evidence linking infections with autoimmune diseases
- The potential role of infections in antiphospholipid syndrome, PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune hepatitis, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and vasculitis
- Laboratory testing that can help identify underlying infectious triggers
- How this knowledge can inform a more personalised approach to patient care
Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner looking to deepen your understanding of autoimmunity, or you’re interested in the emerging research surrounding infectious drivers of chronic disease, this webinar offers an evidence-informed perspective on an increasingly important area of functional and nutritional medicine.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr Athanasios Vergopoulos
Dr Athanasios Vergopoulos is a specialist in laboratory medicine and Medical Director at ArminLabs, with more than 30 years of experience across laboratory medicine, clinical biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, immunology and infection diagnostics.
He studied medicine at the University of Athens before undertaking postgraduate training in internal medicine and clinical biochemistry in the UK, including at Hammersmith Hospital, the University of London and John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. He later completed his doctorate at Charité – University Medicine Berlin, graduating magna cum laude, and has held senior clinical and laboratory positions across Germany and Switzerland, including leading departments in molecular diagnostics, molecular genetics and special analytics.
His extensive experience also includes training in microbiology, virology and infection epidemiology, alongside specialist expertise in molecular and pharmacogenetics. In his current role at ArminLabs, Dr Vergopoulos supports both patients and healthcare professionals with the interpretation of complex laboratory findings, with a particular focus on infection diagnostics.
Gilian Crowther
Gilian Crowther MA (Oxon), FBANT, mANP, mNNA, CNHC reg. is a fully qualified Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist.
Her key areas of focus are infectious pathologies and mitochondrial dysfunction. She studied complementary therapy in Germany for many years before completing her training in the UK.
She has been a senior member of AONM (the Academy of Nutritional Medicine) since 2010 and is the organisation’s Director of Research.
She is also a committee member of the General Naturopathic Council (GNC) and the British Society for Ecological Medicine (BSEM).
Register here: www.aonm.org/NovemberAutoimmunity
SPEAKER: Dr Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH
TITLE: Cerebral Folate Deficiency: Understanding Its Role in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
DATE: Monday 7th December 2026
TIME: 19:00 GMT | 20:00 CET | 14:00 EST
DESCRIPTION:
Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is an often-overlooked condition characterised by low levels of folate in the cerebrospinal fluid, despite normal levels in the blood. Increasing evidence suggests that CFD may play an important role in a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, memory difficulties and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
In this upcoming AONM webinar, Dr Nancy O’Hara, a leading specialist in PANS, PANDAS and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis (BGE), will explore the underlying mechanisms of cerebral folate deficiency, its clinical manifestations and its potential relationship with infection-triggered neuropsychiatric conditions.
Drawing on scientific research and her extensive clinical experience, Dr O’Hara will discuss the challenges of recognising and diagnosing CFD, including the role of folate receptor autoantibodies and genetic variations that may influence folate metabolism and transport.
The presentation will also explore practical approaches to assessment and management.
In this webinar, you’ll discover:
- The underlying physiology of cerebral folate deficiency and its potential effects on neurological and psychiatric function
- The relationship between CFD, Basal Ganglia Encephalitis (BGE) and neuropsychiatric symptoms in children
- The current scientific evidence surrounding CFD, including relevant genetic variations and their clinical significance
- Approaches to assessment and diagnosis, including folate receptor autoantibody testing and genomic analysis
- Potential therapeutic strategies, including dietary interventions and the clinical use of folinic acid
Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner working with children experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms, or looking to deepen your understanding of the relationship between folate metabolism, immune dysfunction and neurological health, this webinar offers an opportunity to explore the emerging research and its potential clinical applications.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH is a board-certified paediatrician specialising in PANS, PANDAS, Basal Ganglia Encephalitis (BGE) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is a leading educator and mentor to clinicians across the United States and internationally, helping medical professionals recognise, diagnose and manage these complex conditions.
Dr O’Hara graduated with highest honours from Bryn Mawr College and attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she was recognised by the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She earned her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where she also completed her paediatric residency, chief residency and general paediatric fellowship.
Before beginning her medical career, Dr O’Hara worked with children with autism. She subsequently practised as a general paediatrician before establishing her integrative consultation practice in 1999, specialising in children with complex neurodevelopmental, neurological and immune-related conditions.
With decades of clinical experience, Dr O’Hara continues to support families and educate healthcare practitioners in the assessment and management of conditions including PANS/PANDAS, BGE, ADHD, OCD, Lyme disease and autism spectrum disorder.
Register here: www.aonm.org/DecemberOhara