Immune reactions at tick bite sites that cause spotted fever
At the site of the bite: Immune Response to tick-transmitted Rickettsiae
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11266180
This project looks at how the immune system responds at tick bite sites when different spotted-fever bacteria are passed on, to help people at risk of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and related infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11266180 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use guinea pigs bitten by infected ticks to mimic how humans get spotted fever and collect blood and skin samples over time. They will compare immune responses triggered by three bacteria—Rickettsia rickettsii, R. parkeri, and R. amblyommatis—that differ in how sick they make people. By measuring antibodies and local inflammation at the bite site and over the course of infection, the team aims to identify patterns that explain severe versus mild or confusing cases. The findings are meant to inform better diagnostic tests and treatment approaches for people exposed to tick-transmitted rickettsiae.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live in or traveled to areas of the eastern United States with tick exposure or who have had a recent tick bite and symptoms suggesting spotted fever would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with illnesses unrelated to tick-borne rickettsial infections are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to clearer diagnosis and improved treatment strategies for people exposed to spotted fever bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Guinea pig and clinical research have characterized RMSF and R. parkeri infections and supported tick-transmission animal models, but directly comparing immune responses across these three Rickettsia species is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VARELA-STOKES, ANDREA SOARES — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: VARELA-STOKES, ANDREA SOARES
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: Acute Disease