Effects of BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) Vaccines on Immune Responses in Mice

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Abstract
The effects of killed and living BCG on antibody production against hamster erythrocytes (HRBC) and the 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) group were studied in SL mice. Killed and living BCG, each in doses of 0.008 mg, 0.08 mg and 8 mg/mouse, were i.v. inoculated 7 days prior to primary immunization HRBC. Secondary immunization was carried out 28 days later with TNP-HRBC. Anti-HRBC and anti-TNP antibodies were estimated by a hemagglutination test. The pretreatment with killer or living BCG enhanced the antibody production against HRBC and TNP. Killed BCG augmented the anti-HRBC antibody production more effectively than living BCG. Living BCG exhibited a greater augmenting effect against TNP than killed BCG. This difference in the modes of action of killed and living BCG was remarkable when 2 groups given 8 mg of killed and living BCG were compared. Living BCG at a dose as high as 8 mg was able to augment the anti-TNP antibody production, even in the absence of preceding immunization with HRBC.