LymeNet Flash: Use genetic modification to help with Lyme disease

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Use genetic modification to help with Lyme disease

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Topic: Use genetic modification to help with Lyme disease

hiker53
Moderator
Member # 6046

posted

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xoiiZLmMzE

This was on 60 minutes tonight. It is repeat episode but worth watching. This is the clip after the scientist describes the tick population increase on Nantucket.

This type of genetic treatment would pass from generation to generation and antibodies passed on.

They want to release the genetically modified mice on Nantucket to break the Lyme disease transmission cycle.

--------------------
Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 10236 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |

Phoiph
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41238

posted

Interesting, hiker!

Ironically, we've come full circle with the biological tinkering...on an island.

I found the full transcript:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/genetically-engineering-mice-to-cut-lyme-disease-transmission-60-minutes-transcript/

It sounds like a great solution but raises so many questions and concerns regarding the implications.

Wondering about the potential effect on the food chain in general, as mice are a staple for so many predators?

How could they ensure that the experimental mice (or the possible effects on their predators) are contained to the island in case the experiment goes awry?

Would the mice be immune to all strains, and would co-infections be considered?

They have already released genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce disease transmission, so it is probably just a matter of time.

Posts: 2083 | From Earth | Registered: Jul 2013 | IP: Logged |

hiker53
Moderator
Member # 6046

posted

Phoiph, I was thinking about those same points.

Be interesting to see how it plays out if it really happens.

--------------------
Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 10236 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |

daisys
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 11802

posted

I was interested in those who said they had been cured of LD multiple times. Maybe the medical professionals are staying on top of recent tick bites there, which is progress.

Posts: 563 | From New Mexico, USA | Registered: May 2007 | IP: Logged |

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