TABLE 1.
Immunofluorescent labeling of B. burgdorferi organisms within infected Ixodes ticks
| Antigen | Percentage of antigen-labeled spirochetes in population of FlaB-labeled spirochetes ina:
|
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat nymphs | Fed nymphsb | Fed larvaec | |
| BBA74 | 1.77 ± 0.6 | 78.72 ± 7.18d | 63.4 ± 8.37d |
| OspA | 92.28 ± 6.69e | 67.75 ± 11.96d,e | 89.12 ± 9.21d |
| OspE | 3.21 ± 0.46 | 81.18 ± 7.58d | 69.84 ± 4.43d |
| OspC | ND | 43.68 ± 5.30 | ND |
a
A minimum of 1,000 FlaB-labeled organisms were counted for each double-labeling experiment. Values presented are the average of three biologically independent experiments ± standard deviations. ND, no labeled spirochetes detected.
b
Fed nymphs were collected at 72 h postattachment.
c
Fed larvae were collected within 24 h of repletion.
d
Values for fed larvae versus fed nymphs labeled for the same antigen are not significantly different.
e
P = 0.035 for flat versus fed nymphs.