Understanding how wild birds help Lyme disease bacteria survive
Immunomodulatory mechanisms of wild bird reservoir hosts that facilitate persistence of Lyme disease bacteria
This study looks at how Lyme disease bacteria live in wild birds and how this might help spread the disease to humans through ticks, aiming to understand the birds' immune responses compared to other animals, which could help improve ways to prevent Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061098 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, persist in wild birds and how this affects their transmission to humans via ticks. The study focuses on the immune responses of these birds and how they differ from those of other reservoir hosts like Peromyscus mice. By examining the specific genotypes of the bacteria carried by birds, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that allow these pathogens to thrive without causing illness in their avian hosts. The findings could lead to better public health strategies to prevent Lyme disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent and who may be at risk of exposure through tick bites.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for Lyme disease or who live in regions where the disease is not present may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Lyme disease, potentially reducing the incidence of this common illness.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding the ecology of Lyme disease, but this specific focus on wild birds as reservoir hosts is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Yi-Pin — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Lin, Yi-Pin
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.