Understanding why some people recover from Lyme disease while others develop long-term symptoms

Determinants of Post-Treatment Phenotypes in Lyme Disease

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10877114

This study is looking into why some people recover fully from Lyme disease while others continue to have symptoms, and it's for anyone who has had Lyme disease or is interested in understanding their recovery better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877114 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the reasons behind differing recovery outcomes in patients treated for Lyme disease. By examining clinical, immunologic, and metabolic factors at the onset of infection, the study aims to identify why some individuals return to their pre-illness health while others develop post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD). The research will involve unique patient cohorts, including those with PTLD, healthy controls, and patients with early Lyme disease, followed over a year after treatment. Advanced statistical and laboratory methods will be used to uncover risk factors and develop an assessment score to predict PTLD risk in clinical settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been treated for Lyme disease and are experiencing varying recovery outcomes.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been diagnosed with Lyme disease or those who have not undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and management of patients at risk for developing long-term symptoms after Lyme disease treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While this research approach is innovative, previous studies have shown varying success in understanding post-treatment outcomes in Lyme disease, indicating a need for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.