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A Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein C (OspC) genotyping method using Luminex technology
Patrick Pearson1, Olivia Skaltsis2, Chu-Yuan Luo1
1Laboratory of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Plos One
|June 1, 2022
Summary
A new Luminex xMAP assay efficiently detects Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein C (ospC) genotypes. This method aids in understanding Lyme disease risks from various B. burgdorferi strains in ticks, hosts, and patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Borrelia burgdorferi is a significant tick-borne pathogen responsible for Lyme disease.
- Strain diversity, particularly in the outer surface protein C (ospC) gene, influences B. burgdorferi's pathogenicity and epidemiological impact.
- Accurate genotyping of ospC is crucial for B. burgdorferi research and public health risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel multiplex assay for detecting Borrelia burgdorferi ospC genotypes.
- To provide a reliable tool for characterizing B. burgdorferi strains in various sample types.
Main Methods:
- A multiplex assay utilizing Luminex xMAP technology was developed.
- The assay involves ospC gene amplification, primer/nucleotide hydrolysis, biotinylation, Luminex microsphere hybridization, and fluorescent signal detection.
- The protocol was validated by comparing its performance against an established ospC genotyping method.
Main Results:
- The novel Luminex xMAP assay demonstrated effective detection and characterization of B. burgdorferi ospC genotypes.
- Validation confirmed the assay's reliability and accuracy compared to existing methods.
Conclusions:
- The presented multiplex Luminex xMAP assay offers a robust platform for B. burgdorferi ospC genotyping.
- This assay can be applied to diverse samples, including ticks, reservoir hosts, and clinical specimens, advancing Lyme disease research and diagnostics.
