Western Isles Lyme study findings discussed at a UK conference

Representatives involved in the Lyme disease studies being undertaken in the Western Isles recently presented at a Lyme and tick-borne disease research event held in Liverpool. The event was organised by the Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections and was attended by experts from across the UK. The ongoing research in the Western Isles was identified as very important work in adding to the body of knowledge of Lyme disease and tick-borne infections.

Among the speakers at the event were Lucy Gilbert from the University of Glasgow, who gave an overview of current research on tick-borne disease ecology research in Scotland and Caroline Millins (University of Glasgow) who spoke about the ‘High level of peri-domestic tick bites reported in the Outer Hebrides, an emerging hotspot for Lyme disease’.

Isabell MacInnes, Health Protection and Screening Nurse Specialist with NHS Western Isles, who was recently awarded an MSc in Infection Prevention and Control by the University of the Highlands and Islands, presented the findings of her dissertation study, ‘What is the impact of Lyme disease on a patient’s quality of life in the Western Isles of Scotland?’. And finally Jonny Yardley, PhD student at the University of Glasgow, displayed a poster titled ‘Tick and Lyme disease Research in the Outer Hebrides’.

The University of Glasgow continues to work closely with NHS Western Isles, Scottish National Heritage and the Uist Lyme and tick borne subgroup of the Uist deer management group. Field work will continue in the Western Isles next year and the general public will have the opportunity to hear the presentations at the next public event to be held in the Western Isles.

Anyone is invited to attend the meeting in Balivanich Hall, Benbecula on 27 April 2020 at 7:30pm.

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