Antibody profiling of canine IgG responses to the OspC protein of the Lyme disease spirochetes supports a multivalent approach in vaccine and diagnostic assay development

- The OspC protein of the Lyme disease spirochetes is a dominant antigen.
- Thirty distinct OspC 'types' have been defined.
- Upon immunization or natural infection, variable domains of OspC stimulate type specific antibody responses.
- Conserved domain of OspC, including the C7/C10 region, do not stimulate significant antibody responses.
- Vaccines or diagnostic assays that rely on a single OspC variant may not convey broad protection or detect infection with diverse Lyme spirochete strains.