Science / Medicine : A Step to Curb Lyme Disease

Wisconsin researchers have taken a first step toward the development of a vaccine for Lyme disease, a tick-borne infection that causes arthritis and neurological problems. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bite of the tiny deer tick, which is common on both coasts and in the Upper Midwest.

Immunologists from the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and the University of Wisconsin reported last week in the journal Infection and Immunology that they infected hamsters with the bacterium, isolated antibodies from their blood, and injected the antibodies into healthy animals. When the injected animals were exposed to the bacterium, they did not develop Lyme disease.

“This is an important step,” said John L. Schmitz of the state lab. “We’re probably four or five years away from finding a vaccine that can prevent Lyme disease in people.”