The NY Times has an interesting article on some ecological research focusing on how Lyme disease might be disseminated through an ecosystem. The relationships are complex and correlational (which is acknowledged) but, given the severity of the nature of the problem, may lead to certain types of public policies (e.g., reducing the deer population). For the article, see: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/18/predators-prey-and-lyme-disease/
The original research appear in PNAS and can be accessed here: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/06/12/1204536109 Interesting point: the spirochete that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi; other spirochete cause other diseases like syphillis) is not present in the deer tick, the primary transmitter of the spirochete, at birth. Rather, when it reaches the nymph stage and has blood meals, this is when it becomes infected and subsequent blood meals transmit the disease. Feeding on infected white-footed mouse seems to be the main source of infection for the ticks. The pattern of factors that affect the spread of Lyme is complex and, as one researcher quoted in the article says, certain links need experimental verification. Another point that is made is the question why there still isn't a vaccine for Lyme disease. It seems to me that a human vaccine would be best but a vaccine for animals, such as the white footed mouse, might do much to reduce the incidence of the disease. -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=18492 or send a blank email to leave-18492-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
