Arthritis News – 1999

Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Manifestations include arthritis, cardiac effects, neurologic abnormalities, and secondary skin lesions.

Lymerix (recombinant OspA) is the first vaccine proven safe and effective in preventing both definite Lyme disease and asymptomatic infection. Lymerix protects by eliciting high levels of anti-OspA antibodies after injection. Following attachment by the tick to a human host, these antibodies enter the midgut of the tick and kill Borrelia burgdorferi, thereby preventing transmission.