Lyme disease research network draws on variety of fields, even religion

A new research network at Mount Allison University has found a way to bring biologists, philosophers and religious studies professors together: Lyme disease.  

Vett Lloyd, a biologist at the university in Sackville, said the group has been recognized by the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation and received funding to co-ordinate its research better and get students involved.

It's a social problem, it's a problem for families, for communities, it's a problem for the health-care system that has to pay for sick people.- Vett Lloyd, biologist

"I think what's important here is that it's interdisciplinary," Lloyd said. "So, we've got leaders of the fields in their respective fields working on it, but we're not working in isolation."

Lyme disease is an infectious disease spread to humans through tick bites. Because symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and vary from person to person, getting a diagnosis can be an arduous process.

But if the disease is left untreated, symptoms can last from months to years. In rare cases, Lyme disease can lead to death.

The 14 researchers represent a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geographic information systems, religious studies, English, commerce, political science, psychology, philosophy, economics and computer science.

Lloyd said combining different perspectives in the research process is important because Lyme disease is not just a medical problem for biologists to chase after.

"It's a social problem, it's a problem for families, for communities, it's a problem for the health-care system that has to pay for sick people. So, by working together, we can have an integrated response to it."

New perspectives

The use of things like religion and economics in research about an infectious disease may seem confusing to some, but Lloyd said each discipline brings a new perspective.

For example, religious studies experts will explore the question of resilience in delayed diagnosis and treatment or chronic illness.

"So, you're dealing with someone who's now had a massive change in their life," she said.

"Is there a role for spirituality, either organized or on a more personal level, to provide them with the emotional resources to deal with this drastic reconfiguration of their life?" 

The project is founded on the principle of being responsive to the patient community, Lloyd said. Much of the network's research paths are born from patient suggestions and consultations with a patient research advisory panel.

Lloyd said by doing this, the network hopes to ensure relevant and meaningful research.

Developing a framework

The federal government's framework on Lyme disease is set to be fully developed and published this month.

Lloyd took part in the development conference last year, which focused on medical surveillance for tracking the disease, educational materials, and guidelines on how to prevent, identify, treat and manage the disease.

She said she hopes the final framework will involve action plans and be science-based. She also hopes the federal government will continue to consult with patients rather than just "producing in-house and saying, 'We know what's good for you.'"

Lloyd, who got Lyme disease herself several years ago after being bitten by a tick in her garden, said much of her network's work will be based on prevention and ways people can keep an eye on themselves and their children for possible tick bites.

Still, she said there is a lot of educating to be done.

"This is an emerging disease, it's something that's new, and we have to adapt to it because, courtesy of climate change, the ticks are here. They're here to stay."