Image: Stephen Doggett

Image: Stephen Doggett

Why This Study?

In Australia many people get bitten by ticks every year. There is uncertainty about why and how ticks make people unwell in Australia yet there are now thousands of patients suffering from fatigue, arthritis, chronic pain, headaches and psychological symptoms following a tick bite. Collectively these illnesses are known as “Debilitating Symptom Complexes Attributed to Ticks” (DSCATT). More information about DSCATT is provided by the Australian Government Department of Health (link).

This research ultimately aims to discover the cause (s) of DSCATT in Australia.

Are you attending your local hospital or doctor’s office with a tick bite? We invite you to take part in this nation-wide research project which aims to investigate the effects of tick bites in Australia. The project is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

If you don’t actually have a tick bite today, please bookmark this website in case you need it in the future.

 

How Can You Help?

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You may be eligible to join the study if you have a tick attached to you now (check out patient information) or if you have been bitten by a tick in the last 72 hours and still have the tick, or if you get bitten by a tick in the future. Participation in the project is voluntary and involves:

  • Visiting your doctor or nearest hospital Emergency Department.

  • Removal of the attached tick by medical personnel.

  • Enrolment via our online study portal and completion of a questionnaire.

  • A blood sample and a very small skin biopsy being taken by the medical personnel.

  • Follow-up blood tests ( at 1 week and 3 months after the tick bite ) and health questionnaires.

There will be no cost to you associated with participating in this research project and all information that we collect about you will be kept secure and confidential.

 

Can Anyone Be Part of This Study?

Unfortunately, you cannot join the project if:

  • You are pregnant.

  • You tend to bleed (i.e. if you are on blood-thinning medication or are a haemophiliac).

  • You have a previous diagnosis of tick-related disease (e.g. rickettsiosis, spotted fever) or chronic illness (e.g. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Lyme disease-like illness).

  • You are under 18 years old.

For further information about this project, see our FAQ page, contact us by email at: DSCATT@rickettsialab.org.au , or visit:

http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Research-capabilities/Vector-and-Waterborne-Pathogens-Group/

https://www.facebook.com/crypticklab/

@cryptick_lab on twitter