burgdorferispecific

Burgdorferispecific is an adjective used in microbiology and infectious disease to denote features, antigens, genes, or diagnostic reagents that are unique to Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes Lyme borreliosis. The term emphasizes specificity to B. burgdorferi, and often its sensu stricto complex, rather than to related Borrelia species such as B. afzelii or B. garinii, which can cause Lyme disease in different regions.

Key burgdorferispecific components include outer surface proteins such as OspA and OspC, as well as decorin-binding proteins DbpA and DbpB, and the variable major protein-like sequence expressed (VlsE). The C6 peptide, derived from VlsE, is widely used as a burgdorferispecific antigen in serologic testing. These elements are characteristic of B. burgdorferi and support species-specific diagnostics and, in some contexts, vaccine design.

In diagnostics, burgdorferispecific assays detect antibodies against these antigens or detect pathogen DNA with targeted PCR. First-line serology often uses a Borrelia burgdorferi–specific ELISA or multiplex assay followed by a confirmatory Western blot. The C6 ELISA has become a common burgdorferispecific test due to its sensitivity.

Limitations include strain variability, geographic differences, and the stage of infection, all of which influence test performance. Cross-reactivity can occur with sera reactive to related Borrelia species. Early infection may yield negative results despite clinical signs; testing strategies vary by region and clinical context.

Historically, OspA has been explored as a burgdorferispecific vaccine target, with an OspA-based vaccine approved in 1998 and later withdrawn from the market.