How seasonal changes affect disease spread from ticks
Official title: Impacts of phenology on disease transmission dynamics
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10895568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the changing seasons affect black-legged ticks and the diseases they can spread, helping us understand how these changes might impact your risk of getting sick from tick bites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $580,899 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181007-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where black-legged ticks are prevalent and who may be at risk for tick-borne diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in tick-endemic regions or who are not at risk for tick-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how seasonal patterns of activity in black-legged ticks influence the transmission of diseases they carry. By analyzing the life cycles and behaviors of these ticks, the study aims to understand how changes in their seasonal activity can impact disease risk for humans. The researchers will use advanced computer models and statistical methods to simulate different scenarios and validate their findings with real-world data from field studies. This comprehensive approach seeks to uncover the complex interactions between tick populations and the pathogens they transmit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for predicting and managing tick-borne diseases, ultimately enhancing public health safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding tick-borne disease dynamics, but this specific focus on phenology and its effects on transmission is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brisson, Dustin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Brisson, Dustin
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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.