image: Dr. Nikhat Parveen, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS). view more
Credit: Photo courtesy of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS)
A grant totaling more than $1.5 million was recently awarded to Dr. Nikhat Parveen, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
The $1.56 million grant represents the first and only NIH grant awarded to study the impact of co-infections with Borrelia burgdorferi, and a malaria parasite-like pathogen, Babesia microti that cause Lyme disease and babesiosis, respectively.
A significant increase in co-infections with these two tick-borne pathogens is an emerging problem throughout the Northeastern United States, including in New Jersey. Dr. Parveen noted that the pathogens present a serious healthcare concern, because co-infected patients show more intense and diverse symptoms that persist for longer durations.
Dr. Parveen's research aims to provide a better understanding of these infections, by using a mouse model of infection, so that research teams can design more effective preventative and therapeutic measures.
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To learn more about Dr. Parveen's research, click here.