Genetic causes of persistent Lyme infection
Genetic basis for persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11160462
Researchers will use new DNA and antibody tests to look for signs that the Lyme bacterium is still present in people who have ongoing symptoms after treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160462 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be asked to give blood and, in some cases, cerebrospinal fluid so researchers can look for bacterial DNA and immune responses. They will apply a very sensitive sequencing test (TBDCapSeq) to find tiny amounts of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA and a peptide array (TBD-Serochip) to map antibody reactions to many bacterial pieces. Samples from people with Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome will be compared to samples from others who had Lyme without lingering symptoms to find unique genetic or antibody signatures. The team will analyze these patterns to identify biomarkers that might explain why symptoms persist.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with prior confirmed Lyme disease who continue to have symptoms after completing antibiotic treatment and who can provide blood and possibly cerebrospinal fluid samples.
Not a fit: People without a history of Lyme disease, those whose symptoms are known to come from other conditions, or those unwilling to provide samples (especially spinal fluid) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to tests that better identify lingering Lyme infection and guide treatments for people with long-term symptoms after standard therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Advanced sequencing and peptide-array methods have improved detection of Borrelia DNA and antibody patterns, but using them to link persistent bacteria to lasting symptoms is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TOKARZ, RAFAL — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: TOKARZ, RAFAL
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Arthritis in Lyme disease