The absence of linear plasmid 25 or 28-1 of Borrelia burgdorferi dramatically alters the kinetics of experimental infection via distinct mechanisms

Maria Labandeira-Rey, J. Seshu, Jonathan T. Skare

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

137 Scopus citations

Abstract

The 25-kb linear plasmid lp25 and one of the 28-kb linear plasmids (lp28-1) are required for experimental infection in Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The loss of these plasmids either eliminates infectivity (lp25) or significantly increases the 50% infective dose during a 2-week infection period (lp28-1). This study assessed the kinetics of bacterial dissemination in C3H/HeN mice infected with B. burgdorferi lacking either lp25 or lp28-1, as well as their wild-type parent, and tracked the development of specific borrelial antibodies over a 3-week period. The results indicated that the wild type and the lp28-1- strains were able to disseminate throughout the host, whereas the lp25- strain was cleared within 48 h of inoculation. While the wild-type B. burgdorferi persisted in tissues for the duration of the study, the lp28-1- mutant began clearing at day 8, with no detectable bacteria present by day 18. As expected, the wild-type strain persisted in C3H/HeN mice despite a strong humoral response; however, the lp28-1- mutant was cleared coincidently with the development of a modest immunoglobulin M response. The lp28-1- mutant was able to disseminate and persist in C3H-scid mice at a level indistinguishable from that of wild-type cells, confirming that acquired immunity was required for clearance in C3H/HeN mice. Thus, within an immunocompetent host, lp28-1-encoded proteins are not required for dissemination but are essential for persistence associated with Lyme borreliosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4608-4613
Number of pages6
JournalInfection and immunity
Volume71
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

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