Tick season is here and with it comes the rise in concern over diseases like Lyme disease. Over 20 years ago a promising Lyme disease (Borrelia) vaccine was taken off the shelves. In 2002, LYMERix — made by the former SmithKline Beecham — was taken off the market due to low consumer demand. People had major concerns about the reports of arthritis and other adverse events, LYMERix was said to cause. In addition, the lack of knowledge of the medication caused more anti-vaccine sentiment.
Upside for Dog Owners and Borrelia
While there is no such vaccine for humans at this time there is one for dogs. As a matter of fact, there are two types of Borrelia vaccines available for canines:
- The adjuvant form. An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response in people and animals receiving the vaccine. In other words, adjuvants help vaccines work better.
- The recombinant form. In genetics, recombinant describes DNA, proteins, cells, or organisms that are made by combining genetic material from two different sources. Recombinant substances are made in the laboratory and are being studied in the treatment of cancer and for many other uses.
Both of these vaccines work to prevent the transmission of Borrelia bacteria from the tick to the canine when the dog is bitten. These vaccines are roughly 80% effective and last about six months. That means about 20% of vaccinated dogs could still contract Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease Vaccines for Humans
For the past several years, Valneva and Pfizer have created a possible Borrelia vaccine for humans. Currently, the VLA15 is in Phase 3 human trials. This vaccine is a multivalent, protein subunit vaccine that targets the outer surface protein A, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Moreover, the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s MassBiologics has been working on a human monoclonal antibody to be used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Borrelia. Furthermore, they are expecting human trials to begin soon, according to the CDC.
Additionally, Moderna announced they have two novel mRNA Lyme disease vaccine candidates in the works. They are using the technology used to develop their COVID-19 vaccine to develop a vaccine that could prevent Lyme disease. This marks the “first application of its mRNA technology to bacterial pathogens.”
What is Lyme Disease?
It is the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S. Normally, it is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. However, on rare occasions, it is caused by Borrelia mayonii. Lyme disease is passed to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (also known as deer tick). Usually, people who have this disease develop a fever, headache, experience fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.
Moreover, if this disease is left untreated the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system. Based on symptoms, doctors can diagnose Borrelia with physical findings, like a rash, along with the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Additionally, they can order laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Look to the Horizon for Lyme Disease Help
Though it may still be a few years down the road, there is hope that a vaccine for Borrelia is on the horizon. Until then be sure to take preventative measures:
- Use insect repellant.
- Wear long pants and shirts.
- Wear long socks with pants tucked in to prevent ticks from getting to the skin.
- Make sure appropriate footwear is worn. Like hiking boots or sneakers.
- Change immediately after exposure to possible tick-infested areas. Such as tall grass and woods.
- Shower off immediately — when able to do so.
These measures won’t guarantee that a tick won’t get onto the skin and bite. However, it does lessen the possibility.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The Week: Moderna developing mRNA vaccine for Lyme disease
CDC: Lyme Disease
Embrace Pet Insurance: Lyme Disease Vaccine for Dogs
CDC: Lyme disease vaccine
Axios: Lyme disease vaccine could be coming soon
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Monikah Schuschu‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Alane Golden‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of R. Kriatyrr Brosvik‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
