Persistent Anti- Borrelia IgM Antibodies without Lyme Borreliosis in the Clinical and Immunological Context

• DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01020-21
• Publication Date: 2021-12-22T16:25:32Z
• Authors: Mateusz Markowicz; Michael Reiter; Jutta Gamper; Gerold Stanek; Hannes Stockinger
• Keywords: Immunoglobulin M; Erythema chronicum migrans

The aim of the study was to investigate etiology persistent IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) and analyze their association with nonspecific symptoms. group comprised individuals in absence IgG. relation between ELISA values time elapsed since past erythema migrans (EM) analyzed. Previous antibiotic treatments were assessed. symptoms evaluated statistically. Specificity for outer surface protein C (OspC) B. sl examined by immunoblotting. Further, we investigated cross-reactivity Borrelia-unrelated proteins. Fifty-nine patients (46 women; 78%) included group. mean IgM-ELISA did not change significantly during follow-up (median 6.2 months). value dependent on EM. Nonspecific improved more often lower results. Persistent specific C-terminal PKKP motif OspC. Cross-reacting antigens from both human prokaryotic origins identified. We demonstrate that plays a main role reactivity toward However, other eukaryotic and/or may hamper specificity OspC serological diagnosis Lyme borreliosis. Lack improvement associated higher values. IMPORTANCE is frequently used detect commercial immunoassays, such usually occur early phase infection. identified without sera epitope binds IgM. Strikingly, found same occurs also certain proteins environmental origin; latter include bacteria food plants. Our experimental data show these cross-react OpsC-specific This knowledge important development serologic assays borreliosis provides cross-reactive explanation persistence Borrelia-IgM.