UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 300,000 Americans contract Lyme disease annually, with the number of tick-borne infections growing.

WPSU-TV’s next installment of "Conversations LIVE" examines the treatment and prevention of Lyme disease. Joining host Patty Satalia are Steve Jacobs, Meryl Littman and Barbara Ostrov, all subject experts.

The 60-minute show is interactive, taking viewers’ phone calls, emails and questions via Twitter. Viewers can join the conversation by calling 800-543-8243 during the show, emailing connect@wpsu.org or tweeting @WPSU. "Conversations LIVE: Lyme Disease" will air at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, on WPSU-TV, WPSU-FM, WQLN-TV in Erie and online at www.wpsu.org.

Jacobs currently serves as an urban entomologist and senior extension associate with Penn State’s Entomology Department in the College of Agricultural Sciences. His research interests include integrated pest management and insect behaviors. He has also produced educational materials for pest control operators, county cooperative extension agents and the general public on topics such as Lyme disease.

Littman, professor of medicine with University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, specializes in internal medicine. Her research areas include canine tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.

Ostrov is professor of pediatrics and medicine, and rheumatologist at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Her specialties are internal medicine, pediatric rheumatology, pediatrics and rheumatology. Ostrov’s academic interests include understanding complex and hard to diagnose diseases.