The role genetically engineered mice could play in fighting Lyme disease
Summary
Scientists on Nantucket Island are using genetic engineering to try to reduce Lyme disease by changing wild mice so they cannot carry the bacteria that ticks spread. This approach targets white-footed mice, which play a key role in passing Lyme disease to ticks, aiming to break the cycle of infection without killing the animals.Key Facts
- Lyme disease is common in the Northeastern and Upper Midwestern United States and affects many people on Nantucket Island.
- Ticks spread Lyme disease by biting infected animals, especially white-footed mice, and then biting humans.
- Deer carry ticks but do not get infected with Lyme disease.
- Scientists Kevin Esvelt and Sam Telford are leading a project to genetically engineer mice to be immune to Lyme disease bacteria.
- If successful, ticks that bite these immune mice will not become infected and the disease spread could drop.
- This method changes the mice’s genes instead of killing them or the ticks.
- Lyme disease infections require a tick to be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit the bacteria.
- Nantucket Island has a high rate of Lyme disease, affecting about 15% of residents.
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