What is the state of Lyme disease vaccine research?

Lyme disease cases are rising as ticks expand their habitat, but scientists are searching for new ways to prevent infections. No Lyme disease vaccine has yet been licensed for humans, although that could change as several companies test vaccines, injections and pills.

The disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites. It can cause chills, body aches and an oval or circular rash. If an infection goes untreated, it may later lead to fatigue, body pain or nerve damage, potentially making daily life difficult.

The United States records an estimated 476,000 Lyme disease diagnoses each year. Tick populations are spreading across Europe and the United States as forests and deer populations expand, while climate change brings milder winters. Tick seasons that once generally ran from spring to autumn are becoming longer, and in some places tick bites occur throughout the year.

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We are seeing many more people infected.

Ticks carry many pathogens. These can cause diseases including encephalitis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Lyme disease, caused by some Borrelia bacteria, remains the most common tick-borne disease in Europe and North America.

Thomas Hart, an assistant professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research and Education Institute in Maryland, said researchers were seeing more infections and more interest in prevention. “We are at a favorable time for finding a new preventive method,” he said. Dogs and cats already have various tick-control treatments, including skin applications, collars and tablets. These products generally rely on chemicals that kill ticks after they begin feeding. Human prevention efforts are now being pursued by companies including Pfizer, Moderna and Tarsus.

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We are at a favorable time for finding a new preventive method.