Dr. Jeffrey Bourgeois is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Bourgeois is a Lyme disease researcher with expertise in rodent models of Borrelia burgdorferi infection and transmission. His research focuses on understanding how this pathogen persists in hosts and on identifying new approaches to treat antibiotic-refractory Lyme disease—cases where patients experience ongoing symptoms despite standard antibiotic therapy. Dr. Bourgeois completed his postdoctoral training at the Tufts University Lyme Disease Initiative and recently established his independent laboratory at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he combines expertise in bacterial genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and mouse models of disease.
Project Description:
While antibiotics are effective at eliminating the Lyme disease pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi, a significant proportion of patients experience delayed symptom resolution or persistent symptoms even after successful bacterial clearance. This project investigates whether traditional herbal medicines might enhance or complement current antibiotic treatments, with the goal of improving patient outcomes in Lyme disease. Dr. Bourgeois brings his expertise in rodent models of Lyme disease to test whether herbal therapeutics can reduce bacterial burden and inflammation in laboratory animals.