Arthritis is a frequent and major complication of
infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. The
antigens responsible for the induction of
arthritis are unknown. Here we provide direct evidence that a major
surface protein,
outer surface protein A (OspA), can induce
arthritis. Hamsters were vaccinated with 30, 60, or 120 microg of recombinant OspA (rOspA) in
aluminum hydroxide and challenged with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto isolate 297 or C-1-11. Swelling of the hind paws was detected in 100, 100, and 50% of hamsters vaccinated with 30, 60, or 120 microg of rOspA, respectively. In addition,
arthritis developed in 57% of hamsters vaccinated with a canine rOspA
vaccine after
infection with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. When the canine rOspA
vaccine was combined with
aluminum hydroxide, all vaccinated hamsters developed
arthritis after challenge with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Histopathologic examination confirmed the development of severe destructive
arthritis in rOspA-vaccinated hamsters challenged with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. These findings suggest that rOspA
vaccines should be modified to eliminate
epitopes of OspA responsible for the induction of
arthritis. Our results are important because an rOspA
vaccine in
aluminum hydroxide was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans.