Lyme Disease Studies

Do you have Lyme disease?

Warm weather brings outdoor fun and also the risk of tick bites, which can cause Lyme disease. The Lyme disease rash is usually round or oval and gradually expands. It may be all red or have a bull’s-eye appearance. If untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body and cause other problems, including paralysis of the face (called facial palsy); severe headaches and neck stiffness because of meningitis; heart palpitations and dizziness because of changes in heartbeat; and intermittent bouts of arthritis, with joint pain and swelling, particularly involving the knees.

If you suspect that you have Lyme disease, you may be eligible to participate in one of the research studies currently underway at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. The studies offer evaluation, therapy, and follow up to patients with Lyme disease in hopes of learning more about the infection.

See a list of our active, NIAID-supported Lyme disease trials

For more information about the studies, call 1-800-411-1222, or email lymedxstudies@niaid.nih.gov.

Basic Facts About the Studies

• The studies are located in the Clinical Center on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Some travel costs may be covered.
• There is no cost for study-related medical care or medicines.
• People can be referred to a clinical trial by their personal physicians, or they can refer themselves.
• Compensation is provided for participation in some of the studies.