UT San Antonio Bait Biologics Reduce Borrelia Loads 99% in Reservoir Hosts

The approach targets white-footed mice and other reservoir hosts rather than humans or pets. Lipoprotein antigens identified on the bacterial surface were formulated into biologics that induce immunity blocking transmission to feeding tick larvae. Preclinical rodent studies measured bacterial loads via qPCR before and after treatment, showing consistent clearance that interrupts the enzootic cycle. CDC surveillance estimates 476,000 annual U.S. cases, yet existing prevention relies on personal repellents and a single human vaccine candidate with limited uptake.

Current coverage overlooks durability of the immune response and potential selection for resistant Borrelia strains after repeated environmental exposure. Earlier reservoir-targeted efforts, such as the 2010s oral OspA vaccine trials in mice, achieved only partial transmission blocking and were never commercialized. The UTSA platform extends this by incorporating multi-pathogen antigens, addressing co-infections now documented in up to 30% of ticks in endemic areas.

Next steps include EPA registration for residential bait use and controlled field trials measuring infected nymph density. Regulatory precedent from rodent-targeted plague vaccines suggests a 3–5 year path to market if efficacy thresholds exceed 60% reduction in questing ticks.