Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infection in the northern hemisphere, where it poses an escalating threat to the health of Canadians. Despite over four decades of investigation into the disease and the causative pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, fundamental knowledge gaps remain that impact diagnostic testing, treatment, and outcome, and render Lyme one of the most polarized and politicized diseases of the 21st century. This session will explore the disease from the perspectives of clinical and laboratory medicine, including the challenges and opportunities in the research and development space.
At the end of this session you will be able to:
- Identify Lyme disease risk factors, preventive measures, signs and symptoms
- Describe strengths and limitations of current diagnostic laboratory tests
- Appreciate research & development efforts to improve lab-based detection of Lyme disease
Speaker: Melanie Wills (Ph.D.); Director, G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab