SURFACE ANTIGENS AND PROTEINS USEFUL IN COMPOSITIONS FOR THEDIAGNOSIS AND PREVENTION OF LYME DISEASE

摘要

A novel isolated Borrielia burgdorferi sensu lato surface antigen is characterized by a relative molecular mass of 39.5 kDa. This antigen is expressed in vitro by spirochetes of a B. burgdorferi sensu lato strain. This antigen induces antibodies which kill spirochetes of a B. burgdorferi sensu lato strain by ADCK in vitro. Novel Borrelia cassette string protein or fragments thereof are also useful, as is the P39.5 protein in diagnosing Lyme disease and in compositions for treatment o r prophylaxis thereof.