Articles tagged with Lyme Disease
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that the ecology of small mammals upon which ticks feed can explain rates of human Lyme disease in California. The study found a clear link between infected ticks and their frequent hosts, such as dusky-footed woodrats, with diverse species playing a role in transmission.
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine has identified 35 genes highly expressed in patients with long-term Lyme disease. These genes may serve as biomarkers for diagnosing the condition, which is often difficult to detect. The findings also suggest new therapeutic targets and could lead to improved management of the disease.
A new controlled-release device has been tested at UMass Amherst for its effectiveness in preventing tick bites. The device uses synthetic pyrethroids to create a spatial repellent that alters the behavior of ticks, making them less likely to climb and more likely to detach or fall off. The results show promising promise in reducing th...
Researchers found white matter differences in post-treatment Lyme patients using advanced imaging scans, correlating with cognitive difficulties and immune response. Axonal leakage in white matter was associated with better outcomes but also indicative of changed physiology.
A new study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than previously documented by the CDC. The study leverages citizen science data, revealing a critical need for increased tick surveillance and preventative measures against ticks.
A WVU biomedical engineer is working on a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease via a blood sample on a single chip. The tool uses dielectrophoresis and machine-learning to detect diseases within one to two weeks after onset, reducing the risk of hospitalization and chronic conditions.
A study by MedUni Vienna's Department of Dermatology reveals that tick saliva inhibits the skin's defense function, making it easier for pathogens to multiply. Climate change increases the danger from ticks, which now pose a threat in higher-altitude regions of Austria and well into late autumn.
A new study by the University of Maryland found that white-tailed deer in suburban environments often bed down and spend the night within 50 meters of residential properties. This revelation has significant implications for tick management and reducing the risk of human exposure to diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
A new study developed an analytical model that can predict Lyme disease bacteria distribution and abundance on the landscape. The research found that climate and habitat disturbance were key factors in determining infectivity rates.
A Rutgers scientist has developed a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect Lyme disease in horses, a condition that can cause long-term complications. The test, called genomic hybrid capture assay, was tested on a sick horse and successfully identified the pathogen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases aims to reduce tick- and mosquito-borne diseases through research, training, and community engagement. The center will leverage applied research, public health training, and community partnerships to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
A pooled data analysis reveals that 14.5% of the global population may have had tick-borne Lyme disease, with higher prevalence in men aged 50+, rural areas, and Central and Western Europe. The study suggests that improvements to antibody detection methods could enhance public health response policies.
The CDC has published a new report detailing the county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks. The map highlights areas with reported infections and those without, emphasizing the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
A study by Yale researchers found a relative of the Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia miyamotoi, in human blood samples across New England. The presence of this tiny species, transmitted by deer ticks, suggests that physicians should be aware of its potential for causing meningoencephalitis and relapsing fevers.
Scientists have identified a potential new test for diagnosing Lyme disease by detecting autoantibodies to phospholipids. This approach could help clinicians diagnose the disease sooner and determine efficacy of treatments. The researchers' discovery has the potential to identify patients with persistent symptoms after treatment, makin...
Researchers have developed two new gene editing methods for ticks, allowing scientists to alter parts of the tick genome involved in harboring and transmitting pathogens. The methods use CRISPR/Cas9 technology and could lead to the development of new control methods for diseases like Lyme disease.
The Wilderness Medical Society has developed clinical practice guidelines for reducing tick-borne illness, emphasizing low-risk interventions in resource-limited settings. Lyme disease accounts for nearly 70% of reported cases, with other TBIs like anaplasmosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis also on the rise.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive Lyme disease dashboard to define hotspots and map the disease across the US and Canada. The dashboard provides valuable insights for public health awareness and research collaboration.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have identified a critical modification in the protective molecular bag of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium, allowing it to move effectively and cause disease. The discovery, published in Nature Microbiology, reveals that the bacteria acquires this unique sugar modification from ticks.
A team of University of Pennsylvania biologists used citizen science data to create a comprehensive abundance map of the black-legged tick, responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. By correcting biases in the data, they were able to increase its value and provide insights into tick distribution across the Northeast US.
A new interactive US county map shows that ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria have been found in 116 counties not previously identified by the CDC. Lyme disease was detected in 293 counties, while tick-borne relapsing fever and anaplasmosis were found in 80 and 128 counties respectively.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have contributed to a study on a new antibiotic that may cure Lyme disease and eradicate its occurrence from the environment. The antibiotic, hygromycin A, targets the ribosomes of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and shows promise in treating the disease.
Researchers used new approaches to track Lyme disease in Texas, finding an overlap between tick-bite locations and human cases. The study suggests that tick-bite location may serve as an indicator for human disease risk in nonendemic areas.
A study found associations between bank vole abundance variations and Lyme Borreliosis and Puumala hantavirus infections in Northern Europe. The abundance of rodents influences the incidence of these diseases, with Puumala hantavirus infection following rodent abundance fluctuations with a couple of months time lag.
A new lab study finds that three herbal medicines - Chinese skullcap, Cryptolepis, and Japanese knotweed - have high activity against bartonella henselae and Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria causing Lyme disease. The findings suggest these herbs may be effective in treating tick-borne infections, including babesiosis.
Researchers at UMD are exploring antimicrobials that can inhibit the pathogen on a biomolecular level, reducing the burden of Lyme disease and its symptoms like PTLDS. The grant will support preclinical testing to see whether treatment with new compounds can prevent infection.
A Virginia Tech research team has identified a protein called NapA associated with peptidoglycan, a lingering cell wall component of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The protein plays an amplifying role in causing inflammation by acting as a molecular beacon that antagonizes the immune system.
A new study suggests that Lyme disease habitats may be more widespread in California, Oregon, and Washington than previously thought. Citizen scientists collected over 18,000 ticks for analysis, producing valuable data for researchers.
A new laboratory study has identified five herbal medicines with potent activity against Babesia duncani, a malaria-like parasite causing babesiosis. The herbal medicines included Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Artemisia annua, Scutellaria baicalensis, Alchornea cordifolia, and Polygonum cuspidatum.
A new analysis suggests that north-south differences in ticks' host choice, density, and host-seeking behaviors contribute to Lyme disease's prevalence. Southern ticks tend to select lizards as hosts, reducing the spread of Lyme disease-causing bacteria.
A new study identified bird species with the potential to transmit Lyme disease bacterium to feeding ticks, flagging 21 new species for surveillance. Bird traits such as diet composition, migration distance, and life history features were used to predict competence in spreading Lyme.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a protein called Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 (PGLYRP1) that helps protect hosts from infection with the Lyme spirochete. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, found that mice lacking this protein had higher levels of the bacteria and showed signs of immune system dysfunction.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a vaccine to prevent Lyme disease, which affects over 300,000 Americans annually. The team aims to identify relevant antigens and target them in hopes of clearing the pathogen out, making it harder for it to change and evade the immune system.
A fatal case of Lyme carditis in a previously healthy man illustrates the challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications, especially in patients presenting with heart palpitations or atrioventricular block.
Lyme disease is the most reported vector-borne disease in the country, with a dramatic increase in cases over the past 20 years. The research aims to understand how the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi causes sustained inflammation and Lyme arthritis symptoms.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key protein in Borrelia burgdorferi that shields the immune system from fighting Lyme disease. By understanding this 'VlsE' protein, they hope to develop effective vaccines against the disease.
A new model developed by Columbia University researchers identifies areas in the US where Lyme disease cases are likely to go unreported. The model, based on 17 years of data, helps predict the trajectory of Lyme disease spread, allowing authorities to alert physicians and the public to early treatment opportunities.
Researchers found that Ghanaian quinine and Japanese knotweed extracts killed Lyme bacteria effectively, even at low concentrations. The study suggests these plant-based herbal medicines could offer improved treatment options for persistent Lyme disease patients.
Researchers have developed a handheld, paper-based device to diagnose Lyme disease soon after infection. The assay achieved a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 96.3%, making it more sensitive than existing tests and requiring only 15 minutes to complete.
Researchers have identified promising new strategies to counteract infection and develop effective vaccines. The vaccine targets both the offending microbe and its tick carrier to prevent Lyme disease.
A new rapid assay for Lyme disease uses several biomarkers to detect infection and is more sensitive than current tests when diagnosing early after suspected infection. The research could lead to a practical test for healthcare providers.
A rapid microfluidic test can diagnose Lyme disease with similar performance to the standard 2-tiered approach in a much shorter time. The test uses a combination of three proteins to identify antibodies specific to the B. burgdorferi bacterium in the serum.
Researchers found that over half of deer ticks were infected with Lyme disease and other pathogens, while nearly a quarter carried multiple agents. This study highlights the need to consider all tick-borne diseases, not just Lyme, due to polymicrobial infections.
Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative diagnostic technique that pinpoints molecular signatures of Lyme disease with high accuracy. The method, using a multi-platform approach, uncovers six potential biomarkers for early identification of the disease.
A study analyzing NHS hospital data found Lyme disease patients in England and Wales are predominantly white and female, with peaks of new cases at certain ages. The findings may inform health promotion messages and highlight a poor understanding of recommended care pathways for symptoms related to Lyme disease.
New cases of tick-borne Lyme disease in the UK could reach 8,000 in 2019, according to researchers who analyzed anonymized medical data from over 8 million people. The study found that Scotland had the highest number of cases, with half occurring in the summer and more common among women and girls.
Researchers at UCI have sequenced the genome of the white-footed mouse, which carries the bacteria causing Lyme disease. The study provides a roadmap for fresh approaches to preventing disease transmission, including developing an environmentally-safe vaccine method.
Researchers have discovered a cellular component called peptidoglycan that contributes to Lyme arthritis, a debilitating condition. The presence of peptidoglycan in synovial fluid may explain why some people experience symptoms despite no obvious infection, and could lead to new treatments.
Borrelia peptidoglycan, a component of the Lyme disease bacterium, is detected in patients' synovial fluid and stimulates proinflammatory cytokines. The finding suggests that Borrelia peptidoglycan contributes to inflammation in Lyme arthritis.
A new study found that a slow-growing variant form of Lyme bacteria causes severe symptoms and resists standard single-antibiotic treatment. A three-antibiotic cocktail eradicated the infection in mice, offering a potential solution for patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms.
Researchers use new PET scan technique to show that people with PTLDS have elevated levels of a chemical marker of brain inflammation, compared to healthy controls. The study suggests new avenues for treating the long-term fatigue and cognitive symptoms associated with PTLDS.
Researchers found that 10 essential oils, including garlic oil, showed significant killing activity against 'persister' forms of Lyme disease bacteria. The study suggests these plant compounds may be more effective than current antibiotics in treating persistent Lyme symptoms.
The Lyme Disease Biobank now accepts tissue donations from patients undergoing knee-replacements and similar surgeries, as well as patients who die with Lyme disease. Researchers aim to explore the ability of Lyme bacteria to invade tissues and organs, leading to medical breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment.
A new study predicts that rising temperatures will lead to a significant increase in Lyme disease cases in the United States. By mid-century, it is expected to rise by 21%, resulting in an additional 8.6 cases of Lyme disease per 100,000 people annually.
Researchers have developed new techniques to detect Lyme disease bacteria weeks sooner than current tests, indicating active infection and enabling quicker treatment. The new direct tests detect DNA or protein from Borrelia burgdorferi, increasing the accuracy of an early diagnosis.
Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease in Europe caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. A recent study found that infection can occur within 24 hours of an adult tick bite and as soon as 12 hours for nymph bites, highlighting the importance of prompt removal of infected ticks.
The incidence of tickborne infections in the US has risen significantly over the past decade. Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, accounts for most reported cases, with over 30,000 annual cases in the US but an estimated 10 times that number.
A study published in PLOS ONE used citizen scientist data to track exposure to tick-borne diseases, identifying 83 counties with previously unknown disease-carrying bacteria. The research highlights the importance of early detection and understanding how diseases spread.
Researchers at The University of Montana are investigating the bacterium that causes Lyme disease using $449,998 in NIH funding. They will explore the regulatory mechanisms of Borrelia burgdorferi to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for the disease.