A patient report states the presence of serum antibodies to OspC. This finding most likely indicates which disease?

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Study for the Success! In Clinical Laboratory Science – Immunology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A patient report states the presence of serum antibodies to OspC. This finding most likely indicates which disease?

Explanation:
Antibodies to a pathogen-specific protein point to the organism causing the infection. OspC is a surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, and the immune system produces anti-OspC antibodies during early infection. Finding serum antibodies to this protein is therefore most consistent with Lyme disease, rather than the other options. Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum (different antigens), rubella is a viral infection, and strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes with distinct antigens—none of which involve OspC.

Antibodies to a pathogen-specific protein point to the organism causing the infection. OspC is a surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, and the immune system produces anti-OspC antibodies during early infection. Finding serum antibodies to this protein is therefore most consistent with Lyme disease, rather than the other options. Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum (different antigens), rubella is a viral infection, and strep throat is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes with distinct antigens—none of which involve OspC.

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