A National Research Network on Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease (LD) is an emerging microbial threat and new approaches are required to help contain this risk to human health. LD is caused by the bacterial pathogen, B. burgdorferi that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. LD is of increasingly urgent concern in Canada; between 2009-2016 there was a 700% increase in the number of reported cases. Additionally, areas of Canada that were once considered to be at low-risk are transitioning to high risk as tick populations become further established due to climate change. Further research is necessary to address the many critical knowledge gaps that exist in Canada. We will establish the Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network (CLyDRN) which is composed of researchers, clinicians, patients, community members and other stakeholders with the ultimate vision of reducing the impact of LD on the health of Canadians. We will accomplish this vision by creating foundational resources and spearheading new research initiatives. This includes the creation of Canada's first repository for tissue samples from LD patients and an associated clinical database that will include detailed patient information. We will also develop national research capacity and support training of new LD researchers. These resources will support research initiatives in four areas: 1)Develop and evaluate new diagnostic tools and methods, 2)Identify preventive measures, interventions, and population health approaches to decrease risk of occurrence of LD, 3)Determine the burden and natural history of disease, clinical management and risk factors and 4)Attend to the contextual complexity through patient and community engagement, training and integrated KT research. Our Network will mobilize and build LD-specific capacity and training opportunities, improve clinical science and practice, provide best evidence in testing and patient care, improve patient outcomes and inform policy.