WILTON, Conn., July 5, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The National Research Fund for Tick-Borne Diseases, Inc. (NRFTD), a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research of the highest caliber into tick-borne infections, including Lyme disease, is pleased to announce it will fund four pilot study projects. Scientists who hope to advance understanding of these insidious diseases are invited to submit grant applications.
Although Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, scientific research has been limited. The need for knowledge has never been greater, since Lyme is spreading rapidly through the nation. The tri-state area, including New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, has been especially hard-hit, with some communities reporting as many as 54% of households affected. But the threat is national. Lyme disease case reports doubled from 1991 to 2000, then rose 40% between 2001 and 2002. Now, other tick-borne diseases such as babesia and ehrlichia are emerging as serious risks in many areas. Children, who spend much time outdoors, are especially vulnerable.
When caught and treated promptly, Lyme is normally quite curable. Unfortunately, the characteristic bulls-eye rash, which is the best diagnostic marker available, is absent in at least one-quarter of cases. As a result, and because commonly used laboratory tests are not definitive, Lyme can progress. Under these circumstances, Lyme can become a complicated illness, with the potential to cause cardiac, arthritic, and neurologic complications. In addition, ticks can transmit other diseases, either with Lyme or separately, which can confuse diagnosis and treatment even further.
"Tick-borne infections like Lyme can be overwhelming not only to individual patients and their families, but also to society at large. Schools and employers, for example, may well feel significant effects," states Chairman of the Board, Leo J. Shea, III, Ph.D., of New York University Medical Center. "The NRFTD is determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding tick-borne diseases. Since 1999, we've funded innovative, well-respected research in the field, choosing our projects carefully, with the help of internationally renowned researchers. We feel confident that, thanks to generous donors, answers can be found."
About NRFTD Research Grants
NRFTD grants will be awarded to investigators whose projects demonstrate the potential to attract long-term funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), or other scientific agencies. The NRFTD is guided by its desire to transform scientific discoveries into tangible results, such as publication in peer-reviewed medical journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
The current offerings will be funded for either one or two years and carry a maximum direct cost of $50,000. Up to four applications will be funded. Scientists worldwide who wish to perform innovative pilot project research on any aspect of established or emerging tick-borne diseases -- including those caused by Lyme disease and relapsing fever borrelia, anaplasma, babesia, bartonella, ehrlichia and rickettsia species, and their tick vectors -- are invited to apply.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 P.M. EDT on September 1, 2006. The grant application and additional information can be found at www.nrftd.org.
About the National Research Fund for Tick-Borne Diseases, Inc.
The NRFTD was founded in 1999 to address the complex and critical research questions raised by thousands of patients afflicted with emerging tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, relapsing fever borrelia, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonella and ehrlichiosis. The need for answers has grown markedly as Lyme disease has spread throughout the country and as other tick-borne infections have been recognized as public health threats.
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation visit www.nrftd.org.