The Epidemiology of Lyme Borrelia

Project Summary

Ticks are increasing in some parts of the UK, which, coupled with a rise in outdoor recreation and access, raises concerns about an increase in risk of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia, the agent causing Lyme disease.

Using field data linked with GIS, we are aiming to test the role of different host types (roe and red deer, small mammals, birds) in determining Borrelia prevalence in ticks in woodlands across Scotland. In addition, using questionnaires, we aim to determine which human activities and which types of areas expose humans to the greatest risk of Borrelia. By combining these approaches we will be able to tease apart the factors determining Lyme disease risk to humans. In addition, this approach will enable us to determine which Borrelia genospecies are prevalent in different areas and which clinical symptoms they are associated with.