Felines exhibit a significantly lower incidence of clinical Lyme disease compared to canines and humans, despite exposure to the ticks that transmit the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi. This disparity sparks scientific interest in understanding the mechanisms protecting cats from developing overt illness. Factors contributing to this resistance are complex and multifactorial.
Investigating the reasons for this protection offers potential insights into novel preventative and therapeutic strategies applicable to other species susceptible to Lyme disease. Understanding feline immunity could reveal key immunological pathways or genetic predispositions that confer resistance. Historical data also points to a consistent observation of lower reported Lyme disease cases in cats compared to dogs in endemic areas.
