Ever been bitten by a tick? A scientist wants to know
As the winter chill sets in and snow covers the ground, the thought of ticks may not be at the forefront of your mind. However, a team of researchers at Mount Allison University is working to raise awareness about the importance of remembering past tick bites.
Led by biology professor Vett Lloyd, the team is conducting research to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures for Lyme disease after a tick bite. Traditionally, the approach to dealing with tick bites has been to adopt a “wait and see” attitude, only starting antibiotics if symptoms of illness develop within 10 to 21 days.
But with the increasing population of blacklegged ticks, the primary carriers of the Lyme disease bacteria, Lloyd emphasizes the need for a more proactive approach. She explains that in recent years, there has been a shift towards preemptively administering antibiotics to individuals who may have been exposed to ticks, in order to prevent the onset of Lyme disease.
The team’s research aims to determine the efficacy of this preventive treatment in averting long-term effects of Lyme disease. The longer a tick remains attached to a person, the higher the risk of transmitting the Lyme-causing bacteria. By assessing the outcomes of different treatment approaches, the researchers hope to shed light on which methods are most effective in preventing the disease.
According to data from the New Brunswick government, certain regions of the province have a higher risk of Lyme disease based on historical disease data and tick surveillance. While those who develop symptoms after a tick bite typically respond well to treatment, the research team is also interested in hearing from individuals who were treated preventatively and did not experience any adverse effects.
To gather information and feedback from the public, a survey is available on the Lloyd Tick Lab website. Lloyd anticipates that the results of the research will be made accessible to the public by midsummer. She emphasizes the importance of evaluating the outcomes of preventive measures in order to ensure the effectiveness of Lyme disease treatment strategies.
In conclusion, as Canada continues to navigate the complexities of Lyme disease prevention, it is crucial to monitor and assess the impact of different treatment approaches. By actively seeking feedback from individuals who have undergone treatment for Lyme disease, researchers at Mount Allison University are working towards improving the management and prevention of this potentially debilitating illness.
