Investigators at University of Delaware Discuss Findings in Borrelia burgdorferi [Diversity and Host Specificity of borrelia Burgdorferi's Outer Surface Protein C (ospc) Alleles In Synanthropic Mammals, With a Notable ospc...].

A study conducted at the University of Delaware examined the diversity and host specificity of Borrelia burgdorferi's outer surface protein C (ospc) alleles in synanthropic mammals. The researchers used metagenomics to sequence ospC alleles from infected individuals belonging to eight mammalian species trapped in suburban New Jersey. They found that multiple allele infections were common, with certain alleles being more prevalent in specific host species. The study suggests that one particular allele, allele U, may exclude other alleles, reducing the capacity of chipmunks to act as reservoirs for certain ospC alleles. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]