Main cardiotoxic drugs

The potential to increase passive serum antibody titres to a polysaccharide antigen in neonates, by preparturient vaccination of the dams was investigated. Dairy cows in five private herds were vaccinated with a commercial Pasteurella haemolytica culture supernatant vaccine (Presponse, Langford Inc.), at 6 and 3 weeks before their calculated due dates. Dams' sera, colostral whey, and post-colostral calf sera were assayed for antibodies of the IgG1 isotype binding purified capsular polysaccharide of P. haemolytica A1, using an enzyme immunoassay. Antibody titres were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure (Statistical Analysis Systems Institute Inc.). Vaccinated dams had a significant increase in serum antibody titre after vaccination compared with non-vaccinates (P <0.01), and their antibody titres in colostral whey were significantly higher (P <0.05). Calves of vaccinated dams had significantly higher passive antibody titres than those of non-vaccinates (P <0.01) in all herds.     

Evaluation of a multivalent Pasteurella haemolytica vaccine in bighorn sheep: safety and serologic responses

We examined effects of a multivalent Pasteurella haemolytica vaccine (serotypes A1, A2, T10) on humoral immune responses and P. haemolytica isolation rates in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). Thirty captive bighorns, divided into groups of three on the basis of age, sex, and previous history of pneumonic pasteurellosis, received 0, 1, or 2 vaccine doses. Mild, transient lameness in most bighorns 1 day after initial vaccination was the only adverse effect observed. Oropharyngeal (> or = 75%) and nasal (< or = 50%) isolation rates for P. haemolytica did not differ among treatment groups. Ten of 36 distinguishable biogroup variants accounted for about 87% of the 464 P. haemolytica isolates from bighorns, but prevalences of specific biogroups were not affected by vaccination. Bighorns receiving 1 or 2 vaccine doses showed marked elevations in leukotoxin neutralizing antibody titers beginning 1 wk after vaccination. Agglutinating antibody titers to serotype A1 and A2 surface antigens were also elevated in vaccinated bighorns within 2 wk after vaccination; agglutinating antibody titers to serotype T10 surface antigens were relatively high in all three groups but appeared unaffected by vaccination. Vaccination 7 to 14 wk prior to parturition elevated leukotoxin neutralizing antibody titers in colostrum, but neither leukotoxin neutralizing nor serotype A1 surface antigen agglutinating antibody titers differed through 16 wk of age among lambs born to dams from different vaccine dose groups. Our data demonstrate that this multivalent P. haemolytica vaccine is safe and stimulates marked antibody responses in bighorn sheep. Further evaluation of this vaccine as a tool in preventing and managing pasteurellosis in bighorn sheep appears warranted.     

Duration of serum antibody responses following vaccination and revaccination of cattle with non-living commercial Pasteurella haemolytica vaccines

This study was designed to determine the duration of serum antibody responses to Pasteurella haemolytica whole cells (WC) and leukotoxin (LKT) in weanling beef cattle vaccinated with various non-living P. haemolytica vaccines. Serum antibodies to P. haemolytica antigens were determined periodically through day 140 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. At day 140, cattle were revaccinated, and antibody responses periodically determined through day 196. Three vaccines were used in two experiments (A and B), OneShot, Presponse HP/tK, and Septimune PH-K. In general, all three vaccines between 7 and 14 days induced antibody responses to WC after vaccination. Antibodies to LKT were induced with OneShot and Presponse. Revaccination at days 28 and 140 usually stimulated anamnestic responses. Serum antibodies to the various antigens remained significantly increased for up to 84 days after vaccination or revaccination. The intensity and duration of antibody responses were variable depending on the experiment and vaccines used. Vaccination with OneShot usually stimulated the greatest responses to WC. Vaccination with OneShot or Presponse resulted in equivalent primary anti-LKT responses. In experiment B, spontaneous seroconversion was found in numerous calves on day 112. Revaccination of those cattle at day 140 resulted in markedly variable antibody responses such that several groups had no increase in antibody responses.     

Genetic variants of human erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase: new variants in West Africa characterized by column chromatography

Seven calves seven to 30 days of age were given Mycoplasma bovis antigen by different routes. Immunization was in two phases. The first consisted of single or multiple SC, IV or oral doses of antigen for two to four weeks. The second phase consisted of multiple SC or ID injections given from the eighth to the 19th week. The experiment was terminated at 26 weeks. Antibody titers were followed by indirect hemagglutination, growth inhibition and tetrazolium reduction inhibition. Total serum protein, protein fractions and IgG and IgM concentrations were determined in serums of one calf and the distribution of indirect hemagglutination antibodies in IgG and IgM classes were determined in serums of two of the calves. Indirect hemagglutination titers of 1280 and peak titers of >20,480 occurred after the first and second phases respectively. There was no relationship between total serum IgG or IgM concentrations and indirect hemagglutination titers. In one calf given M. bovis antigen in one dose SC and five weekly doses IV in phase I, indirect hemagglutination antibodies appeared in IgM within one week and IgG by four weeks, IgG antibody activity rose steadily until the 17th week but declined at the 26th week, whereas IgM activity after the initial rise dropped at the 13th week but rose even higher as a result of second phase ID injections. Another calf given six weekly IV doses of M. bovis antigen in phase I developed indirect hemagglutination antibodies in IgM peaking at four weeks then declining but with no IgG response. Activity in both IgM and IgG occurred after the second phase. Growth inhibition antibodies were found only on two occasions in one calf serum and tetrazolium reduction inhibition activity when tested never gave titres exceeding 1:32.     

Decline in meningococcal antibody levels in African children 5 years after vaccination and the lack of an effect of booster immunization

Antibodies to group A meningococcal polysaccharide were measured by hemagglutination (HA) and by ELISA in sera obtained from Gambian children before vaccination and 3 weeks, 2 years, and 5 years after vaccination with a group A + group C meningococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine. Children were 1-4 years old at the time of vaccination. Most showed a good initial response to vaccination, including those aged 1-2 years. However, antibody titers declined progressively during follow-up, and 5 years after vaccination, antibody titers measured by both HA and ELISA had returned to prevaccination levels. This decline was not influenced significantly by a booster dose of vaccine given 2 years after initial immunization. Administration of malaria chemoprophylaxis reduced the rate at which antibody levels fell after initial immunization. Sustained protection of children against group A meningococcal disease will require the development of vaccines that are immunogenic in infants and that can induce T cell memory.     

Persistence of antibodies to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine in the elderly

Persistence of antibodies to 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine was assessed among 62 subjects aged 65-88 years. IgG antibodies were measured by standardized EIA to serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 19F, and 23F before and 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years after vaccination. After satisfactory antibody responses (fold increases from 2.6 to 5.3), 3-year geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) had waned to close (for types 4, 9V, and 23F) or similar (for types 6B and 19F) to their prevaccination values. Type 14 was exceptional: 1-month GMC was 7.7-fold and 3-year GMC was 3.0-fold in comparison to the prevaccination GMC. Antibody concentrations decreased at an equal rate irrespective of serotype and age or sex of the vaccinee. The major factor predicting the persistence of antibodies above the prevaccination level was the magnitude of the original antibody response. Present results suggest that pneumococcal revaccination of the elderly may be needed as early as 3-4 years after the initial vaccination.     

Age-dependent Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C class-specific antibody concentrations and bactericidal titers in sera from young children from Montana immunized with a licensed polysaccharide vaccine

Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C bactericidal titers and class-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody concentrations were measured in sera from 173 children (1 to 5 years old) before and 6 weeks and 7 months following vaccination with a quadrivalent (A/C/Y/W-135) polysaccharide vaccine. The immune responses of the children were compared with those of 40 adults 6 weeks postvaccination. Both bactericidal titers and ELISA antibody concentrations were significantly higher in the adults than in the children (P < 0.05). In addition, the ratio of immunoglobulin G (IgG) to IgM was higher in the children than in the adults. With an ELISA total antibody concentration of >/=2 microg/ml used as a measure of seroconversion, >/=84% of the individuals from each age group responded to the serogroup C polysaccharide. However, with a >/=4-fold-increase in bactericidal titer used, only 18% of 1-year-olds, 32% of 2-year-olds, and 50 to 60% of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds seroconverted. The ELISA results suggest that >50% of all children retained >/=2 microg of total antibody per ml at 7 months postimmunization. However, the bactericidal titers suggest that <10% of children <4 years old retained a >/=4-fold increase at 7 months following vaccination. Of particular note, 59 of 79 sera (75%) from the 1- and 2-year-olds had high ELISA antibody concentrations (2 to 20 microg/ml) with no associated bactericidal titer (<1:8). Discordant results between bactericidal titers and ELISA antibody concentrations were not explained by the presence of IgA blocking antibody or relative levels of IgG and IgM. The bactericidal results show age-dependent differences in the production and retention of antibody in young children immunized with serogroup C polysaccharide; these differences are not evident with the ELISA data.     

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice induces a polyisotypic hypergammaglobulinaemia and parasite-specific response involving high IgG2a concentrations and highly avid IgG1 antibodies

Trypanosoma cruzi infection in BALB/c mice induced a reversible polyisotypic hypergammaglobulinaemia, with particularly high levels of IgG2a, IgM and IgE. Hypergammaglobulinaemia started during the acute phase of infection and persisted during chronic disease until 11-13 weeks post-infection (w.p.i.), when immunoglobulin levels, with the exception of IgE, returned near normal values. Parasite-specific antibodies counted for 14 to 23% of gammaglobulinaemia, in acute and chronic infection respectively. The titres of IgM antibodies rose from two w.p.i. IgA, IgE and IgG subclass antibodies built up gradually over the time of parasite clearance (i.e., between three and six w.p.i.). All antibody isotypes, including IgM reached significant and stable titres throughout chronic infection. IgG2a, IgG1 and IgM antibodies had constantly higher titres than the other antibody isotypes. The dominance of IgG2a antibodies was due to their high plasma concentrations, around 70% of all antibodies available in the chronic infection. IgG1 had the highest functional avidity, whereas its concentration corresponded to only 10% of the whole antibody fraction. These results indicate that T. cruzi infection in mice induces a polyisotypic humoral immune response, dominated by some antibody isotypes, with major differences in concentrations and functional avidities. This could be of crucial importance in determining the outcome of infection.     

Antibody responses of three Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines after one, two and three doses in Filipino children

Differences in the magnitude of antibody response after one, two or three doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines have been reported which may influence decision-making regarding which vaccine should be used. This is of particular importance in developing countries where children may not receive a full immunization series and the vaccination schedule may be delayed. Serum antibody responses to three Hib capsular polysaccharide protein conjugate vaccines (PRP-OMP, HbOC and PRP-T) were evaluated in 102 Filipino infants. Vaccination was carried out at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age based on the national Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) schedule together with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, hepatitis B and oral poliomyelitis vaccines. Sera were collected at 6 weeks and 1 month after each vaccination. Anti-Hib polysaccharide antibody concentrations were determined by Farrtype radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzymeimmunoassay (EIA), Following the first dose, the geometric mean concentrations (GMC, micrograms ml-1) for PRP-OMP, HbOC and PRP-T were 0.69, 0.27 and 0.38, respectively. After two doses, there was a significant response (P < 0.05) to PRP-OMP and PRP-T (0.89 and 1.47) but not for HbOC (0.37). Differences in the GMC after the primary series were significant (pairwise P < 0.05): GMC was highest for PRP-T (4.0), followed by HbOC (1.6) and PRP-OMP (1.1). All three Hib vaccines were immunogenic when given in the local EPI schedule in Filipino infants although significant differences in the kinetics and magnitude of antibody responses were noted. The anti-Hib antibody concentrations determined by RIA and EIA were also compared in order to validate the latter for use in laboratories where it is feasible. There was a good correlation (r2 = 76%; P = 0.0001) in the Hib antibody titres obtained by both assays.     

Oropharyngeal airway dimensions and functional-orthopedic treatment in skeletal Class II cases

Lambs sucking non-immunised ewes or ewes immunised 4-5 weeks before lambing with live attenuated, aromatic-dependent (aroA) Salmonella typhimurium (strain CS 332) were challenged orally at either 2, 4 or 7 days of age with virulent S. typhimurium (strain CS 94) at doses ranging from 10(9) to 10(13) colony forming units. No lambs displayed signs of clinical salmonellosis and all survived challenge but those sucking immunised ewes had organisms of the challenge strain in their faeces for much shorter periods of time than lambs of the control ewes. High titres of specific antibodies were measured in colostrum and milk of immunised ewes in comparison with very low titres measured in samples from control ewes; these differences were reflected by the titres of antibodies in the sera of corresponding lambs. At 2 days after lambing, the major antibody isotype in the colostrum of immunised ewes and sera of their lambs was IgM whereas at 7 days IgG1 was the predominant isotype. While it was clear that vaccination of pregnant ewes with the live attenuated vaccination conferred protection against experimentally-induced salmonellosis in their lambs, considerable protection was observed in control lambs in spite of there being very low titres of antibodies in the mammary secretion of their dams. The latter observation could be related to the presence of contain non-antibody potent bactericidal factors previously described in colostrum and milk.     

Effect of levodopa therapy on visual evoked potentials and visual acuity in amblyopia

Between 10 and 11 years after children were vaccinated with Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi or meningococcal A + C control vaccine in a double blind randomized trial, we traced 83 subjects, aged 16-20 years. A blood sample was taken for determination of Vi antibody titres in both groups by radioimmunoassay. TO and TH titres were also done to assess if the participants had had recent exposure to typhoid fever. Fifty-eight percent of subjects in both groups had protective levels of Vi antibody against Salmonella typhi (a titre greater than 1 microgram ml-1). There was no significant difference in the levels of Vi antibodies in the cases versus the controls (p = 0.5). Two of the children who had received meningococcal A + C vaccine had recently had typhoid fever. Our data show that adolescents in typhoid endemic areas have high levels of Vi antibodies regardless of previous vaccination status, suggesting that Vi antibodies are acquired in adolescence by a large percentage of the population in this area. Moreover, Vi vaccination has led to ongoing antibody production in greater than 50% of Vi vaccinated children in an endemic area for a period of 10 years. Ongoing antigenic exposure may have contributed to these antibody levels.     

Influenza virus neutralizing antibodies and IgG isotype profiles after immunization of mice with influenza A subunit vaccine using various adjuvants

The influence of various adjuvants on the development of influenza virus neutralizing antibodies and distribution of anti-influenza virus IgG isotypes after immunization of mice with influenza A (H3N2) subunit vaccine was investigated. Serum titres of influenza virus neutralizing antibodies and titres of influenza specific IgG isotypes were determined by a neutralization enzyme immunoassay (N-EIA) and a cell-associated antigen enzyme immunoassay (CA-EIA), respectively. Serum antibody titres as measured by the two tests correlated highly (r = 0.82; P < 0.001). N-EIA titres were enhanced by 38- and 34-fold, when L180.5/RaLPS and FCA, respectively, were administered with 1 microgram of vaccine. The adjuvants Q-VAC, L180.5 [W/O/W], L180.5 alone and Montanide ISA 740 were only moderately or not effective in enhancing the immune response to the 1 microgram dose of vaccine. The Q-VAC and L180.5/RaLPS adjuvants favoured IgG2a and IgG2b isotype responses to influenza compared to the other adjuvants. We suggest that N-EIA and CA-EIA may be valuable tools to monitor the effects of adjuvants on the neutralizing antibody and antibody isotype responses after influenza vaccination.     

Induction of apoptosis in equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)-primed rat ovaries by anti-eCG antibody

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal infections are a common cause of morbidity and mortality among elderly people. Protection against pneumococcal infections is mediated by serotype-specific antibodies to capsular polysaccharides. To obtain an estimate of anti-pneumococcal immunity, prevalence and levels of pneumococcal antibodies were studied in an unvaccinated elderly population. METHODS: IgG antibodies to pneumococcal serotypes 3, 6A, and B and to cell wall polysaccharide (C-PS, a common antigen to all pneumococci) were measured by enzyme immuno-assay in 480 subjects aged 64-97 years (206 men, 274 women) who were a random sample (41%) of elderly inhabitants in a semirural community in Finland. RESULTS: An average of 10% of the elderly lacked antibodies to serotypes 3, 6A, and 8, and 62% of the elderly had them in low titres only. Anti-C-PS antibodies were found in 99% of the elderly, and in significantly higher titres than anti-capsular antibodies. Antibody titres to C-PS and to type 6A decreased with age. Elderly women had significantly lower antibody levels than men. Among the men, current smokers had higher antibody titres than non-smokers; in the women, this analysis was not possible because of infrequent history of smoking. The effect of smoking on antibody titres was reversible after cessation of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of the elderly lacked protective antibodies to commonly infecting pneumococcal serotypes 3, 6A, and 8. Smoking increased the prevalence and levels of pneumococcal antibodies probably as a consequence of numerous respiratory infections. These observations emphasize the importance of administration of the pneumococcal vaccine among the elderly.     

D-amphetamine and L-5-hydroxytryptophan-induced behaviours in mice with genetically-altered expression of the alpha2C-adrenergic receptor subtype

We have analyzed human T-cell responses in parallel with serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels after systemic vaccination with the Norwegian group B Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine. Ten adult volunteers, with no or very low levels of serum IgG antibodies against meningococci, received three doses intramuscularly of the OMV vaccine (at weeks 0, 6, and 46). T-cell proliferation against the OMV vaccine, purified outer membrane proteins (PorA and PorB), and control antigens (Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine and tetanus toxoid) was measured by thymidine incorporation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after vaccination. The results showed that vaccination with OMV elicits strong primary and booster T-cell responses specific to OMV as well as the PorA (class 1) protein and significant, but markedly lower, responses against the PorB (class 3) protein. The median responses to OMV and PorA were 26 and 16 times the prevaccination levels, respectively. Most of the vaccinees showed low T-cell responses against OMV and PorA before vaccination, and the maximum T-cell responses to all vaccine antigens were usually obtained after the second vaccine dose. We found a positive correlation between T-cell responses and anti-OMV IgG antibody levels (r = 0.50, P < 0.0001, for OMV and PorA). In addition, we observed a progressive increase in the percentage of CD45R0+ (memory) CD4-positive T cells (P = 0.002). In conclusion, we have shown that the Norwegian OMV vaccine against meningococcal B disease induced antigen-specific T-cell responses, kinetically accompanied by serum IgG responses, and that vaccination increased the proportion of memory T-helper cells.     

A gene encoding the plant-like alternative oxidase is present in Phytomonas but absent in Leishmania spp

OBJECTIVE: To develop a unique strain of Pasteurella haemolytica, selectable from nasopharyngeal respiratory tract secretions, that retains the ability to efficiently colonize the respiratory tract of calves. ANIMALS: 26 calves that each weighed approximately 200 kg. PROCEDURE: Rifampicin-resistant mutants of P haemolytica were developed and tested for in vitro growth rate and leukotoxin production. After instillation into the tonsils of calves, an isolate that was efficient at colonizing was selected and transformed, using electroporation, with a 4.2-kilobase (kb) plasmid encoding for streptomycin resistance. This isolate was instilled into the tonsils of 4 of 14 commingled calves to examine transmission of organisms. Nasal secretion and tonsil wash specimens were collected, cultured, and examined for P haemolytica. Serum antibody concentration was measured by means of indirect hemagglutination. RESULTS: Selected P haemolytica organisms colonized the tonsils and nasal passages for more than 2 weeks. Exposed calves and contact calves shed the organism, which was recovered from specimens of nasal secretions and tonsil washes. The 4.2-kb plasmid was lost during in vivo colonization. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The selected rifampicin-resistant P haemolytica organism colonized tonsils and nasal passages in a manner similar to the wild-type organisms. Selective media suppressed other bacterial flora to the extent that a single colony-forming unit was detectable from 200 microl of specimen, a 100-fold improvement in detection sensitivity. The selectable strain spread rapidly among commingled calves. A 4.2-kb plasmid marker was unstable when P haemolytica replicated in vivo.     

Invasive infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b in spite of complete vaccination

Five patients, 4 boys and 1 girl aged 13-41 months, developed invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease (2 epiglottitis, 3 meningitis) despite full (or at least 3 times) vaccination. At admission as well during convalescence, 3 out of 5 had IgG anti Hib antibody levels < or = 5 U/ml. Serum immunoglobulin levels, including IgG subclasses, as well as complement were normal in all cases. In 2 of the 3, booster vaccinations with Hib conjugate vaccine elicited adequate antibody titres. Since the incorporation of the conjugated Hib polysaccharide tetanus toxoid vaccine (HibTT) in the National Vaccination Programme in the Netherlands, the number of invasive infections caused by Hib has dropped significantly. Causes of Hib conjugate vaccine failures are mostly unknown. In about one-third of the cases serum immunoglobulin levels are deficient, most often IgG2 or IgM. Susceptibility to Hib infection is in part also genetically determined. In the follow-up of Hib vaccine failures, anti Hib antibody titres should be determined. Booster vaccinations may be necessary.     

Anti-sulphatide antibodies in peripheral neuropathy

A study was carried out on 135 patients with chronic idiopathic neuropathy (63), neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy (51, including eight with anti-MAG antibody activity) and the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (21). Serum IgM, IgG and IgA anti-sulphatide antibody titres were compared with titres in 304 patients with other neurological or immunological diseases and in 50 normal subjects. Titres were presented a) as the highest serum dilution at which reactivity could be detected, and b) in the linear region of the optical density curve. A substantial number of patients with neurological or immunological diseases had higher titres than normal subjects. Compared with normal and disease controls, five patients with neuropathy associated with IgMk monoclonal gammopathy had raised titres of IgM anti-sulphatide antibodies and one patient with GBS had raised IgM, IgG and IgA anti-sulphatide antibodies in the acute phase of the disease. Two patients had a predominantly axonal sensory neuropathy with presenting symptoms of painful paresthesiae and minimal neurological deficit. Three patients had a predominantly demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy associated with anti-MAG antibody activity. The patient with GBS had extensive sensory loss and antibody titres returned to normal within three weeks. Raised titres of anti-sulphatide antibodies occurred in several types of neuropathy, but all had some degree of sensory impairment and associated immunological abnormality.     

Effect of vaccination of hens with an avirulent strain of Salmonella typhimurium on immunity of progeny challenged with wild-Type Salmonella strains

The avirulent Salmonella typhimurium chi3985 was used to vaccinate white leghorn chickens at 16 and 18 weeks of age, and the effect of maternal antibody on Salmonella colonization of progeny of vaccinated hens was assessed with S. typhimurium F98 or chi3985. Progeny of hens that had been vaccinated at 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 weeks of age with chi3985 were used to determine the effect of maternal immunity on vaccine efficacy. Vaccination of hens induced long-lasting Salmonella-specific antibodies which were transferred into eggs and were detected as immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the egg yolk. Maternal antibody was detected in the progeny of vaccinated birds as IgG and IgA in serum and intestinal fluid, respectively. The titer of maternally transmitted IgG or IgA was highest in the first week of life of the progeny and declined with age. Maternal antibodies prevented colonization of the chicks by S. typhimurium chi3985 and reduced colonization by S. typhimurium F98. Overall, chicks from vaccinated hens had significantly higher antibody responses than did the progeny of nonvaccinated hens after oral infection with Salmonella strains. Maternal antibody reduced the efficacy of vaccination of progeny with chi3985 at 1 and 3 weeks of age. But vaccination at 2 and 4 weeks of age induced excellent protection against challenge with S. typhimurium F98 or S. enteritidis 27A PT 8 in birds from vaccinated hens and in specific-pathogen-free chickens. Vaccination of chickens at 2 and 4 weeks of age has been shown to protect the birds against challenge with homologous and heterologous Salmonella serotypes. A combination of vaccination of adult animals and use of the progeny of vaccinated birds will enhance effective control of Salmonella infections in the poultry industry. This will complement the present control of Salmonella-associated food poisoning caused by Salmonella enteritidis in eggs because the avirulent S. typhimurium vaccine strain chi3985 induced excellent protection against S. enteritidis in chickens.     

Characterization of pneumococcal specific antibodies in healthy unvaccinated adults

Unlike the elderly, healthy middle aged adults are at relatively low risk of acquiring serious pneumococcal disease. An explanation that has been proposed is that people in this age group have significant amounts of serum antibody (primarily IgG2) that react with any pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotypes. The level of antibody can be as high as several hundred micrograms per milliliter of blood for some serotypes. A significant component of this reactivity is directed toward the conserved C-polysaccharide depletion. Even after C-polysaccharide depletion, which is included as a routine part of the assay to determine antibody levels, resting antibody levels in a normal healthy adult population can vary widely. We have analyzed the reactivity of serum from 76 people to 16 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotypes. The antibody reactivities to 13 of 16 serotypes are highly correlated with one another. Depletion of serum with C-polysaccharide and purified capsular polysaccharide inhibited antibody binding to type specific capsular polysaccharide. Cross-serotype inhibition of antibody binding was also observed. This indicates that there are materials contained within the pneumococcal polysaccharides that contribute to the cross-reactivity of serum antibodies in people that have not been vaccinated with the pneumococcal vaccine.     

Characterization of the humoral immune response to Klebsiella species in inflammatory bowel disease and ankylosing spondylitis

This study was carried out to characterize the antibody class response by ELISA to seven Klebsiella pneumoniae serotypes (K2, K3, K17, K21, K26, K36, K50) in five different groups, 40 HLA-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, 46 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 38 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 50 patients with active anti-endomysial antibody-positive coeliac disease and 40 healthy controls, using whole bacteria and capsular polysaccharide. IgG antibody levels were significantly elevated in AS patients to K17, K36, K50; IgA to K2, K3, K21, K26, K36 and K50; and IgM to serotype K21 when compared to normal controls. Furthermore, IgG antibody levels were significantly elevated in CD patients to K2, K17, K21, K26, K36 and K50; IgA to K2, K3, K21, K26, K36 and K50; and IgM to K2, K3, K17, K21 and K50. Increased IgG antibody levels in the UC group were limited only to K17, K36 and K50. No antibody class was increased to any of the K. pneumoniae serotypes in the coeliac disease group. The immune responses in AS patients also involve Klebsiella bacteria having capsular serotypes other than K26, K36 and K50. The similarity in the immune responses between CD and AS groups suggests that many AS patients may have occult bowel inflammation.