Articles tagged with Lyme Disease
A long-term study on Lyme disease ecology has revealed surprising findings on the role of deer and mouse populations in shaping tick-borne disease risk. Researchers found that mouse abundance was strongly linked to nymphal tick density, while deer abundance was not statistically associated with Lyme disease risk.
UCF researcher Mollie Jewett aims to 'starve' Borrelia burgdorferi of nutrients to prevent Lyme disease spread. Her team is focused on targeting the bacteria's ability to consume riboflavin, a key nutrient for its survival.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine discovered biomarkers that could help clinicians better detect and possibly cure early and persistent Borrelia burgdorferi infections. Anti-lipid antibodies, such as anti-phosphatidic acid and anti-phosphatylserine, may indicate new Lyme disease infections or persistent symptoms after ...
Researchers at UT San Antonio develop non-toxic biologic to prevent Lyme disease transmission. The treatment targets small mammals and birds, reducing bacterial loads in ticks, and may soon be available for residential use.
Researchers found that treating woodland trails with woodchips and insecticide significantly reduced the density of blacklegged ticks, a primary vector of Lyme disease. The study demonstrated that both deltamethrin-treated and untreated woodchip interventions can effectively reduce tick populations in recreational contexts.
A systematic review by 16 leading researchers at Rutgers University and other institutions highlights recurring problems in studies of infection-associated chronic illnesses, including the failure to prove participants have the relevant pathogen. The authors propose a framework for rigorous study design to confirm diagnoses, choose com...
Studies of Lyme disease and Long COVID face methodological challenges, including incorrect diagnoses and lumping patients with different diseases. Researchers advocate for rigorous study design to confirm diagnoses, choose comparison groups, and treat patient populations as distinct.
A Phase I clinical trial of a human monoclonal antibody for Lyme disease demonstrates its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. The treatment, TNX-4800, provides lasting serum concentrations and has the potential to offer passive immunity against the disease.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting tick salivation prevents infection by targeting the tick's nervous system and salivary glands. The study found two distinct signalling pathways controlling saliva secretion, with acetylcholine playing a key role in stimulating salivation.
A multicenter study found that red blood cell exchange transfusion significantly improves clinical outcomes for patients hospitalized with severe babesiosis, a potentially life-threatening tick-borne infection. The procedure was associated with substantially lower risk of in-hospital death or readmission.
A recent study by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a concerning trend of ticks carrying multiple pathogens in the US Northeast. More than 1 in 10 nymphal ticks tested positive for at least two disease-causing pathogens, with co-infection rates approaching 11% for Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increase in co-infection...
Researchers studied Norwegians with reported chronic health problems linked to tick bites, finding no objective evidence of persistent infections. The study suggests that physical activity and labour force participation may be more related to symptoms than tick exposure.
Researchers found that tick infection prevalence in Ohio has increased to 47.6%, comparable to endemic US regions like Connecticut. The study suggests that Ohio's forested areas have the same risk of Lyme disease as Connecticut.
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
Researchers have developed a new molecular test to identify Lyme disease earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. The test can detect as few as five bacterial cells and has an estimated sensitivity of 90.9%, making it a potential new avenue for testing Lyme disease.
Researchers have discovered that manganese is both an armor and a weakness for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating the disease.
A new surveillance study from UNC Greensboro found a dramatic increase in Lyme disease cases in North Carolina, with blacklegged ticks expanding their range into the state. Ticks from the Blue Ridge Mountains were more likely to carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for most Lyme disease cases.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has launched the country's first clinical manual for treating infection-associated chronic illnesses (IACIs), a comprehensive guide for diagnosis and care. The manual covers extensive learnings from the Cohen Center and provides practical strategies for clinicians to support patients with conditions such as lon...
A new blood test leverages AI to identify Lyme disease sooner and more accurately than current standard tests, with sensitivity and specificity over 90%. Additionally, an AI tool, Medicine-GPT, demonstrates promise in helping adolescents gather useful medical information, outperforming ChatGPT-4 on completeness and helpfulness.
Researchers identified piperacillin as an effective treatment for Lyme disease, which causes devastating symptoms in half a million individuals annually. The antibiotic works by targeting the bacteria's unique cell wall synthesis pattern, leading to its death without harming beneficial gut microbes.
Researchers believe that post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD) is caused by the body's response to remnants of the Borrelia burgdorferi cell wall, which persists in the liver. The unique structural properties of this peptidoglycan molecule promote its persistence and may lead to a stronger immune response in some individuals.
Researchers found that pheasants released in the UK can carry Lyme disease bacteria in ticks, increasing the risk of human exposure. The study suggests 'spillback' from non-native species can lead to the emergence of zoonoses.
A promising new target for a Lyme disease vaccine has emerged: the Lyme bacterial protein CspZ. Genetic engineering revealed hidden regions that trigger a strong immune response. The modified protein promotes continuous production of protective antibodies, reducing the need for booster shots.
Researchers identified a new way to fight infections like Lyme and syphilis by disrupting the bacteria's 'motor', preventing it from spreading through the body. The findings could have wide-ranging impacts on the treatment of infections in the future as concern about antibiotic-resistant strains grows.
A team of researchers discovered that lactate dehydrogenase (BbLDH) is essential for Borrelia burgdorferi growth and infectivity. As a unique biochemical feature, BbLDH can be targeted to develop genus-specific inhibitors for Lyme disease treatment.
A UMass Amherst Ph.D. student has been awarded a €20,000 grant to investigate a new therapeutic target for Lyme disease by targeting the GuaB enzyme necessary for Borrelia burgdorferi replication in mammals.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, posing an increasing threat in the U.S. Montana State University's Patrick Secor will study adaptations in Borrelia burgdorferi to illuminate how it circumvents its host's immune system. The goal is to discover new vaccine antigens and develop more effective treatments.
A new Dartmouth study reveals that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks in the Northeast carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The study found small changes in tick abundance but a significant increase in pathogen prevalence over 30 years, highlighting the need for continued prevention measures.
Researchers are assessing the impact of spongy moth defoliation on blacklegged tick survival and the spread of Lyme disease. The team set up 144 mesh enclosures to study ticks in different conditions, including heavily defoliated areas and those with lower defoliation.
The Bay Area Lyme Foundation is offering $150,000 Emerging Leader Awards to researchers advancing novel approaches in Lyme disease diagnostics and treatments. Applicants must demonstrate professional and scientific leadership and a strong supporting scientific rationale.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna identified a potential way forward for targeted therapies that do not rely on antibiotics. The study focused on the restriction-modification system of Borrelia bacteria and discovered its importance in protecting the bacteria against foreign DNA.
A new study found that babesiosis rates rose 9% annually between 2015 and 2022, with 42% of cases linked to other tick-borne illnesses. Co-infection with Lyme disease did not increase mortality risk, but patients received doxycycline treatment more frequently.
A large-scale study will enroll 1,000 patients with acute Lyme disease to identify causes of prolonged symptoms. The research team aims to shed light on why some return to good health and others develop debilitating symptoms.
A case study reports a 9-year-old Canadian child diagnosed with Tick-borne Powassan virus encephalitis after symptoms developed 1 week after a camping trip in northern Ontario. The authors emphasize the importance of broad arbovirus serology testing for patients presenting with encephalitis, particularly during summer and fall.
Researchers sequenced the complete genomes of Lyme disease bacteria representing all 23 known species, tracing the origins back millions of years. The study provides valuable tools and insights for combating the rising public health threat of Lyme disease.
A genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria has created a powerful resource for identifying specific bacterial strains, enabling more accurate diagnostic tests and treatments. The study reveals how these bacteria evolve and exchange genetic material, providing insights for predicting and responding to changes in their behavior.
Researchers found that most Powassan-positive bites cause nonspecific presentations without symptoms, and estimated 3,000-5,000 people in the US are exposed to ticks carrying the virus each year. The study used a new testing approach to detect the virus in ticks and linked it to human disease outcomes.
Early Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose due to its flu-like symptoms and the limitations of current testing methods. The new guidance article provides recommendations for clinicians to improve Lyme disease outcomes by assessing criteria for positivity and mitigating factors, as well as optimal timing of testing.
A pilot study found evidence of human co-infections with Bartonella and Babesia odocoilei in six out of seven patients with chronic, non-specific illness. The discovery could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for patients with these infections.
A study analyzed gene patterns of over 1,000 Lyme disease patients and identified a special gene variant associated with the disease. This genetic predisposition leads to reduced anti-inflammatory processes, fewer antibodies against Borrelia, and increased disease duration.
Researchers at George Mason University have developed a urine test for Lyme disease that detects the bacteria causing the infection, leading to earlier treatment and prevention of long-term debilitating effects. The test has shown high sensitivity and specificity, and will be made available through telehealth to increase accessibility.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a promising new approach to treating persistent neurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease. Fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors showed promise in reducing inflammation and cell death in brain and nerve tissue samples infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Researchers developed a new triplex real-time PCR test to detect the emerging Powassan virus in deer ticks, improving sensitivity and accuracy. The method reduced false negative results, providing assurance that negative test results are true negatives.
Researchers at MIT and University of Helsinki discovered a protein in human sweat that can protect against Lyme disease. A genetic variant of this protein is associated with increased susceptibility to the disease.
A new study reveals disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease between Black and White patients. Black patients were more likely to have advanced stages of Lyme disease when clinically diagnosed, and experience a longer time before receiving antibiotic treatment.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a genome-scale metabolic model to identify potential new treatment targets for Lyme disease. The model successfully predicted two compounds that selectively target Lyme bacteria while leaving other helpful bacteria untouched.
A new experimental mRNA vaccine provides protection in preclinical animal models against infection from Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The vaccine prevents the development of Lyme disease and may represent a powerful tool in reducing Lyme disease cases.
The Mount Sinai Hospital's Cohen Center will expand its research and clinical care to include 'long Lyme Disease/Lyme+', exploring key similarities and differences with long COVID. The center will offer novel therapies, including virtual reality and non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, as well as personalized cognitive rehabili...
Researchers have identified specific genetic elements in a highly virulent Lyme disease strain, suggesting key factors contributing to its infectiousness and human dissemination. The study's findings provide new insights into the spread of this debilitating disease.
A study analyzed genetic diversity of Lyme disease bacteria and found variations linked to host species. Mouse-adapted genotypes were more likely to persist in mice than other genotypes.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a potential new medical therapy for Lyme disease using lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors typically used to combat cancer. The study found that these inhibitors substantially impacted Borrelia burgdorferi growth, making them promising candidates against Lyme infections.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded five projects to better understand Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), which affects 10-20% of Lyme disease patients. The research will explore possible causes of persistent symptoms, including a misguided immune response and ongoing infection.
A recent study found that women with Lyme disease experience longer diagnostic delays, more severe symptoms, and increased misdiagnoses compared to men. The study also revealed no significant differences in antibiotic treatment response or side effects.
Researchers developed a colorimetric method to detect volatile organic compounds at low levels using a printable glass-based detector. Additionally, strategies are outlined to overcome the single-molecule concentration barrier in fluorescence detection, enabling observations in high-concentration environments. An electrochemical test f...
Researchers found that blacklegged tick larvae are vulnerable to heat and dry conditions, while nymph and adult ticks can survive extreme temperatures with little effect. The study's findings suggest targeting interventions during the larval stage to reduce tick populations and mitigate disease transmission.
Rheumatologists are crucial in detecting neurologic Lyme disease due to its broad spectrum of symptoms and signs. Early treatment has a favorable prognosis, but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe symptoms.
According to a new joint study, most children diagnosed with Lyme disease (75%) fully recovered within six months of completing antibiotic treatment. However, 22% of children experienced persistent symptoms after treatment, including some classified as post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD) syndrome.
A recent study reveals the first high-quality nuclear genome sequence and assembly of Babesia duncani, a neglected species until now. The parasite's evolution and mechanism of virulence have been identified, providing leads for the development of effective therapies.
A new study published in Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases demonstrates that the serum of white-tailed deer blood is lethal to the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The researchers hope this discovery may lead to new strategies for preventing and treating Lyme disease.