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Research Bench Lab
Microbiology & Immunology

Lochhead Laboratory

Location
Microbiology & Immunology
BSB B2750

General Interests
Lyme Disease, Inflammation, Autoimmunity

View Robert Lochhead Bio
Robert Lochhead Laboratory
Overview of LD

Research Areas

The Lochhead Lab focuses on mechanisms of arthritis pathogenesis, using animal models of Lyme arthritis and clinical samples collected from patients with various types of arthritis. Much of our research focuses on Lyme disease, caused by infection with the tick-borne pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S., and is reaching epidemic levels in many regions, including the Upper Midwest. Lyme disease is an infection-induced multi-system disorder affecting skin (erythema migrans), heart (carditis), joints (arthritis) or neurologic tissue (neuro-borreliosis). Lyme arthritis (LA) is the most common late-stage manifestation of Lyme disease. Although most patients are effectively treated with antibiotics, 10-20% of treated patients develop post-infectious Lyme arthritis, potentially resulting in months or years of disability. Identifying immune factors that contribute to variability in disease severity and treatment outcome is critically important for public health in Lyme-endemic communities such as Wisconsin. By studying LA, we hope to gain important insights into how infection may trigger immune dysregulation, leading to tissue damage, arthritis, and autoimmunity,

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Current Members

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Lauren Hackner

Research Technologist, Lochhead Lab

lhackner@mcw.edu

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Lauren Prochniak

Graduate Student

lprochniak@mcw.edu

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Joseph Rouse

Graduate Student

jorouse@mcw.edu

Recent Publications

Publications of Robert Lochhead PhD from the Faculty Collaboration Database

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