Developing a Prospective Gestational Lyme Disease Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Development

Background:

• Lyme disease in pregnancy is poorly understood, with limited data from case reports.
• Population-based studies on Borrelia infection during gestation are lacking.
• Existing research lacks comprehensive follow-up on fetal and neonatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a prospective study on Borrelia infection in pregnant individuals.
• To assess pregnancy outcomes and long-term developmental assessments of offspring exposed to Borrelia in utero.
• To investigate various Borrelia species and other tick-borne pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment in endemic and non-endemic obstetrical practices.
• Utilizing serological, microscopic, culture, and molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Collecting serial maternal and fetal biospecimens (blood, urine, amniotic fluid, etc.).
• Longitudinal follow-up of offspring until age 5 with developmental assessments.

Main Results:

• This section will be populated upon study completion.

Conclusions:

• This study will establish crucial data on Lyme disease in pregnancy.
• Findings will inform clinical management and improve understanding of congenital Borrelia exposure.
• A robust biorepository and data-sharing strategy will be developed.