Tick Boot Camp Podcast
Dr. Liz Horn was featured on the Tick Boot Camp Podcast:
- COMING SOON: Lyme Disease Testing Is Failing Patients: Dr. Liz Horn Explains Why (And What Comes Next)
Advancing Lyme Disease Research and Diagnostic Innovation
Dr. Liz Horn is a nationally recognized leader in Lyme disease research and the Principal Investigator of the Lyme Disease Biobank, a program of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. With more than two decades of experience building research initiatives and collaborations, Dr. Horn plays a critical role in advancing the scientific understanding of tick-borne diseases.
Her work is focused on one of the most urgent challenges in Lyme disease today: improving the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of diagnostics.
The Lyme Disease Biobank: Accelerating Research
Dr. Horn was part of the founding team behind the Lyme Disease Biobank, a vital research resource that provides high-quality biological samples to scientists studying Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
The Biobank includes:
- Blood, serum, plasma, urine, and tissue samples
- Participants across early, late, and persistent stages of Lyme disease
- Well-characterized clinical data to support research accuracy
This infrastructure has supported dozens of peer-reviewed studies and continues to accelerate progress in understanding disease mechanisms, improving diagnostics, and developing new approaches to treatment.
Improving Lyme Disease Diagnostics
A central focus of Dr. Horn’s work is addressing the limitations of current Lyme disease testing methods. Most standard diagnostic approaches rely on detecting the body’s immune response rather than identifying the presence of the bacteria itself.
This creates challenges, including:
- Variability in how individuals produce antibodies
- Delays in detectable immune response following infection
- Inconsistencies across testing methods and algorithms
These factors can complicate clinical decision-making and highlight the need for continued innovation in diagnostic tools.
Learn more about current testing approaches and limitations: Lyme Disease Testing
Leadership in National Research Initiatives
In addition to her work with the Biobank, Dr. Horn contributes to several national efforts aimed at advancing Lyme disease research and diagnostics.
- Scientific Advisor for the LymeX Diagnostics Prize
- Advisor to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiatives
- Member of federal tick-borne disease research panels
- Mentor to emerging researchers in the field
Through these roles, she helps guide research priorities and supports the development of next-generation diagnostic technologies.
The Future of Lyme Disease Detection
Emerging research is focused on moving beyond traditional antibody-based testing toward more direct and precise detection methods.
Areas of innovation include:
- Direct detection of Borrelia bacteria
- Cell-free DNA diagnostic approaches
- Multiplex testing platforms
- Advanced data and machine learning applications
These advancements aim to improve early detection and provide more reliable tools for clinicians and patients.
Education and Awareness
Improving outcomes in Lyme disease also requires increased awareness and education. Ensuring that clinicians understand the evolving science of tick-borne illness is essential for timely and effective care.
Educational resource for clinicians and patients: VectorWise CME
Why This Work Matters
Lyme disease continues to affect a growing number of individuals, with many facing challenges related to diagnosis and care. Research efforts like those led by Dr. Horn are critical to improving understanding and supporting the development of better tools and strategies.
Her work helps strengthen the scientific foundation needed to advance Lyme disease diagnostics and improve patient outcomes.
Explore More Research Conversations
Tick Boot Camp highlights researchers, clinicians, and advocates working to advance Lyme disease education and innovation.
Final Perspective
Progress in Lyme disease depends on strong research infrastructure, collaboration, and continued innovation. Through her leadership and contributions to the Lyme Disease Biobank and broader scientific community, Dr. Liz Horn is helping move the field forward and supporting the development of more effective diagnostic solutions.
