A study with a commercial vaccine against Lyme borreliosis in horses using two different vaccination schedules: Characterization of the humoral immune response.

The research aimed to test the efficacy of a commercial vaccine against Lyme disease in horses, comparing the impact of two different vaccination schedules. The study found that the vaccine, which includes three distinct antigens, resulted in a high level of specific antibodies among vaccinated horses, with additional vaccinations reducing the decline in these antibodies over time.

Study Design and Methods

• The study included 143 horses grouped into three different categories.
• Group A, containing 49 horses, received two vaccines on days 0 and 14 of the study and a booster vaccine on day 365.
• Group B had 50 horses who got an additional booster vaccination on day 180 apart from the two vaccines and one booster received as same as Group A.
• Group C was the control group and included 44 horses who did not receive any vaccines.
• The commercial vaccine that was administered to Groups A and B contained three different antigens – outer surface protein A (OspA), aimed at preventing infection with three types of spirochetes – B.burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii and B. garinii.

Assessment and Results

• Researcher checked the total antibody levels and specific OspA antibody responses in two-month intervals over a 13-month duration. This was achieved quantitatively and qualitatively.
• The horses in Groups A and B developed high levels of OspA antibodies, indicating an immune response to the vaccine.
• The horses in Group C, not immunized, did not demonstrate specific antibody responses.
• Importantly, the extra booster in Group B significantly enhanced the specific OspA antibody response. This additional booster also helped prevent the rapid decline of antibodies that was observed otherwise.

Conclusions

• The study provided insights into the efficacy of a commercial vaccine against Lyme borreliosis in horses, demonstrating its potential in enhancing immune response and the usefulness of additional booster shots in prolonging this immune response.
• The findings highlight the value of adopting appropriate vaccination schedules to maintain a consistent level of antibodies, thereby offering lasting protection against Lyme borreliosis.
• Future research might explore further optimization of the vaccination schedule or the potential benefits of a more frequent booster schedule.