If this protein could be targeted by researchers, it could be a potential inhibitor of this bacteria. It also suggests that NAG may be the bacteria's source of energy when inside the tick. O ther researchers, using the TIGR computer library of gene sequences at the NIH, found that the Lyme spirochete has some gene sequences that are similar to other bacterial toxins. One toxin in particular which seem to be active and functional is a cholera-like toxin. Using a special ribosylation assay this Borrelia protein seems to have some biologically active toxic ability, but, since his assay was originally designed for another bacteria, it is not sensitive enough to determine Borrelia's complete potential to produce biologically active toxins.
Further work needs to be done.
T he most encouraging aspect of this conference is that it is clear that we now have powerful new technologies at our disposal that were not available even a few years ago. These new technologies will open new doors to our insight of this bacteria that we never dreamed possible when it was first isolated in 1981. The Minnesota Insect-Borne Disease Education Council is conducting the most comprehensive Lyme disease survey ever attempted. The data will be collected until the year 2000, and the information obtained will be invaluable on many fronts. New Jersey New York Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania S. Carolina S. Dakota Tennessee Virginia WIsconsin State orgs.