Clinical Research Directory

Acquired Tick Resistance in Naturally Exposed Participants

Tick-borne diseases are increasing worldwide, and there are currently few effective ways to prevent them. One promising new strategy is to develop a vaccine that targets the tick itself ("anti-tick vaccine") to block the transmission of multiple pathogens. Some animals naturally develop resistance to ticks after repeated tick bites. There are indications that a similar form of acquired tick resistance (ATR) may also occur in humans who have been heavily exposed to ticks. This study investigates whether humans can naturally develop tick resistance and how this affects tick feeding. The investigators will compare people with a long history of tick bites and self-reported signs of tick resistance to people who are tick-naïve. The investigators will also include a small group of volunteers who previously participated in an experimental human tick challenge to evaluate what their reaction on tickbites is 1-2 years after their initial exposures.

The Tick App: Changing Behaviors With Educational Messaging

The goal of this work is to evaluate the use of ecological momentary assessments as a tool to assess risk and risk factors for tick encounters and tick-borne diseases. This study will be conducted across the United States, with a focus the upper Midwest and Northeast and with a focus on Wisconsin and will enroll up to 1000 people.

Evolving Diagnostic Approaches to Undocumented Lymphocytic Meningitis and Meningoencephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by ticks. TBE is the third most common cause of encephalitis in France. Across France, numerous cases of lymphocytic meningitis remain without a definitive diagnosis, notably at the Nancy University Hospital. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of a change in diagnostic practice on the work-up of undocumented lymphocytic meningitis and meningoencephalitis at Nancy University Hospital.