Ongoing Research

Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick)

• Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases Prevention Study (LTDPS) (CT, MD, NY) –A prospective, blinded, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a single springtime application of commercially available, EPA-registered acaricide (bifenthrin) to prevent Lyme and other tickborne diseases in humans.
  • Over 1,500 households enrolled in 2011
  • Recruitment began in February 2012 for Year 2
  • A rodent-targeted bait box pilot study begins in 2012
• Laboratory Survey (CT, MD, MN, NY)-- survey of 10 major commercial labs to determine current testing methods and volume for 5 tickborne diseases
• Underreporting Study (MD, MN, NY) -- study to determine the degree to which Lyme and other tickborne diseases are underreported and explore methods to enhance surveillance
• Surveillance for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness (TN) -- Prospective, provider-based surveillance in western Tennessee