Episode 534: Lyme Disease in Canada - an interview with Janet Sperling, President of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme)

In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, we sit down with Janet Sperling, PhD, President of the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) and an accomplished entomologist whose research focuses on the bacterial microbiome of ticks across Canada. Janet’s journey with Lyme disease began when her teenage son was bitten by a tick during a family trip to California. His symptoms, starting with sinusitis and progressing to more severe illness, led to a long and frustrating medical journey involving multiple doctors, misdiagnoses, and eventually a clinical Lyme diagnosis supported by IGeneX testing.

Janet shares her personal experience as a mother navigating the complexities of Lyme disease, as well as her professional expertise studying common tick species in Canada.

Her research investigates the bacterial communities within these ticks, the role of bird migration in tick population spread, and the limitations of current microbiome analysis techniques.

Key Discussion Points:

Janet’s son’s Lyme disease story and the challenges of getting a diagnosis
Differences in tick species and their bacterial microbiomes
How environmental factors like bird migration contribute to the spread of tick-borne diseases
The importance of prevention and early intervention in tick bite cases
Why understanding tick biology is essential for public health policy in Canada
How CanLyme is advancing Lyme disease research

Lyme Disease Prevention Tips from Janet Sperling:

Avoid tick bites by using protective clothing and repellents
Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities
Identify the tick species and feeding stage if bitten
Consider tick testing when appropriate

Whether you’re a Lyme patient, caregiver, or simply interested in the science behind ticks, this episode offers a unique blend of personal narrative and cutting-edge entomology research.