Lyme disease mystery: do bacteria lurk after antibiotics?

NCT ID NCT00001539

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 11 times

Summary

This study investigates whether the bacteria causing Lyme disease can survive antibiotic treatment and cause ongoing symptoms. Researchers will follow 700 participants, including those with chronic Lyme disease, recovered individuals, and healthy volunteers, using blood tests, spinal taps, and brain scans. The goal is to improve diagnosis and understanding of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could lead to better diagnostic tests and clearer criteria for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, potentially guiding future treatment trials.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not directly benefit participants, and findings might not lead to immediate changes in care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Lyme disease multiple sclerosis post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome tick-borne infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LYME DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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