Project Duration: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2015
Patients with symptoms of fatigue, memory change and musculoskeletal change, similar to Lyme disease, but without history of acute Lyme disease, may be diagnosed as having chronic or late Lyme disease. This group resembles those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). This study assesses new methods to differentiate these patients from healthy controls and a group diagnosed with Lupus (SLE). The objective is to look for previously unrecognized microbial and host factors that might improve understanding of these syndromes, and to develop a consultative model with affected communities. It is suggested that major differences in microbial populations may be detected which would then raise questions concerning the cause(s) of these diseases. Future studies would be planned in collaboration with the BC Generations Cohort.
