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Antibodies to OspC , OspF and C6 antigens as indicators for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in horses
Author(s) -
Wagner B.,
Goodman L. B.,
Rollins A.,
Freer H. S.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12033
Subject(s) - borrelia burgdorferi , lyme disease , serology , multiplex , antibody , virology , immunology , antigen , neuroborreliosis , medicine , spirochaetaceae , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , bioinformatics
Summary Reasons for performing study L yme disease is caused by B orrelia burgdorferi , which is transmitted by infected ticks ( I xodes spp.). Reports on L yme disease in horses have increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of L yme disease in horses is still challenging owing to its vague clinical presentation and the limitations of diagnostic tests. Objectives This study used a new serological L yme multiplex assay to examine antibody responses to 3 antigens of B . burgdorferi , outer surface protein ( Osp ) C , OspF and C6 , and to verify their use as markers for early and late infection stages in horses. Methods Multiplex analysis of antibodies to OspC , OspF and C6 in equine patient sera (n = 191) was performed. A subset of the sera (n = 90) was also tested using a commercial C6 ‐based L yme test. Results Antibodies to OspF and C6 highly correlate as reliable markers of infection with B . burgdorferi in horses. Antibodies to OspC , which have been confirmed as early infection markers in man and dogs, were only detected in some patient sera, suggesting that OspC antibodies are indicators of early infection in horses. Commercial C6 testing identified most infected horses but also resulted in false positive and false negative interpretations. Conclusions Serological multiplex testing is a rapid and quantitative diagnostic method to confirm infection with B . burgdorferi and to identify the stage of infection. In horses with risk of exposure and clinical signs, multiplex testing supports the diagnosis of L yme disease. Potential relevance Antimicrobial treatment of B . burgdorferi is time sensitive. Treatment success decreases with time of persistent infection, while the risk of developing chronic disease increases. The ability to identify early infection with B . burgdorferi provides practitioners and clinicians with a tool to improve the diagnosis of equine L yme disease and make treatment decisions.