TABLE 3.
Immunization with dimeric OspC protects mice against tick challenge
| Challenge | Group | No. of mice infected/total no. | No. of tissues infected/total no.a | % mice protected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needle inoculation with B31 5A4 | Alum | 12/12 | 57/60 | 0 |
| M-OspCB31 + alum | 12/12 | 56/60 | 0 | |
| D-OspCB31 + alum | 0/12 | 0/60 | 100 | |
| Bite of B31-infected ticks | Alum | 9/11b | 36/44 | 20 |
| M-OspCB31 + alum | 5/6b | 20/24 | 17 | |
| D-OspCB31 + alum | 0/10b | 0/40 | 100 |
a
Ear, joint, bladder, and heart tissues were analyzed for the presence of viable Borrelia bacteria in all animals as well as skin from the injection site of needle-inoculated animals.
b
Mice for which no Borrelia-infected fed ticks could be detected after challenge were disregarded.