The following article titled “Humoral response of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A (OspA) vaccination in equids” was published in the November 2016 Equine Veterinary Education magazine. Researchers from several institutions looked at the safety and humoral response of outer surface protein A (OspA) Borrelia burgdorferi vaccine in equids via the transdermal or subcutaneous route over 355 days. The research summary noted, “Both vaccinated groups responded with a significant increase in OspA antibodies as compared with the control group (P<0.0001) and to themselves prevaccination. The mean response was greater in vaccinated equids (Group SQ, P<0.0080; Group TD, P<0.0016) as compared prevaccine and control. Equids responded to the OspA vaccine via either route. This data may aid in strategic vaccination protocols and the development of a USDA approved vaccine for equids in the prevention of Lyme disease using the OspA vaccine.”
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Summary
The objective of this study was to assess the safety and humoral response of outer surface protein A (OspA) Borrelia burgdorferi vaccine in equids via the transdermal or subcutaneous route over 355 days. Prior to vaccination, serological testing confirmed the vaccination and exposure status to B. burgdorferi. Vaccine was administered on Days 0, 22 and 226. Equids were examined for vaccine reactions at 24 h post-vaccination. Antibodies to outer surface proteins were quantified over 355 days. A total of 42 healthy adult equids of various ages and breeds were used. These equids were selected based on unlikely exposure to B. burgdorferi. The equids were grouped according to full size, miniature, age and sex to create two relatively heterogeneous mirrored groups of 20 equids. Group TD (20 equids) was administered 1 mL (1/2 mL/site) vaccine transdermally over the pectoral region. Group SQ (19 equids) was administered 2 mL in a single injection subcutaneously at the left cervical region. Group C (3 equids) was unvaccinated. Vaccine was administered on Days 0, 22 and 226. Antibodies to outer surface proteins were quantified over 355 days. Both vaccinated groups responded with a significant increase in OspA antibodies as compared with the control group (P<0.0001) and to themselves prevaccination. The mean response was greater in vaccinated equids (Group SQ, P<0.0080; Group TD, P<0.0016) as compared prevaccine and control. Equids responded to the OspA vaccine via either route. This data may aid in strategic vaccination protocols and the development of a USDA approved vaccine for equids in the prevention of Lyme disease using the OspA vaccine.
Authors
K.M. Slaughter, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California; S.K. Halland, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California; L.A. Schur, Desert Pines Equine Medical and Surgical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada; B. Wagner, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; D.M. DeMel, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California; J. J. Bertone, College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California.
