Lyme Disease

Project Team: Jenny Wachter; Supriya Ramesh; Satyender Hansra

Lyme disease is a multisystemic illness and the most common vector-borne disease in North America. It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Currently, this tick is rapidly spreading throughout North America with evident western and northern expansion and increased prevalence in Canada.

Our research is focused on defining the mechanisms that allow Borrelia burgdorferi to successfully complete the enzootic cycle, including survival in the tick (vector) and infection and maintenance in vertebrate reservoirs. Specifically, we are focused on gene expression and regulation along with defining the role of bacteriophages in the survival and pathogenicity of Borrelia burgdorferi. The goal of this research is to identify targets for future therapeutics and vaccines to prevent disease.

Funding provided by Saskatchewan Health Research Fund