In addition, we show through in vivo imaging of luciferase-containing Bb in the mouse body that when Bb is incubated and co-injected with recombinant SCGB1D2 protein, it significantly inhibits Bb infection kinetics compared to Bb only or Bb incubated and co-injected with recombinant SCGB3A1, another secretoglobin that does not associate with Lyme disease. The gene discussed is SCGB1D2; the disease is Lyme disease.