How tick-borne pathogens affect each other and their mammalian hosts
Official title: Interactions of tick-borne pathogens, Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti with the mammalian host using rodent model of co-infections
Funded at Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School · NIH-10467070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two tick-borne germs, Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti, work together in mice to see how they affect each other and the immune system, which could help us better understand and treat people who get both infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI137425-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10467070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or babesiosis, particularly those experiencing co-infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Lyme disease or babesiosis, or those who are not experiencing symptoms related to these infections, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between two tick-borne pathogens, Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti, using a rodent model to understand how these infections affect each other and the host's immune response. By studying co-infections in mice that exhibit symptoms similar to humans, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the more severe symptoms observed in patients with both infections. The findings could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for those affected by these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients suffering from Lyme disease and babesiosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying results in murine models regarding co-infections, indicating that this area of research is still developing and holds potential for new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parveen, Nikhat — Rbhs-New Jersey Medical School
- Study coordinator: Parveen, Nikhat
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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.