Immunogenicity and Protective Activity in Animals of a Type V Group B Streptococcal Polysaccharide-Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine

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Abstract
The recent recognition of type V strains as a frequent cause of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection in both infants and adults prompted investigation of an effective vaccine against these organisms. PurifiedGBS type Vpolysaccharidewascovalently linked to tetanus toxoid to form a type V polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine.The conjugate elicited type V polysaccharide- specific IgG antibodies in rabbits, while unconjugated type V polysaccharide did not. Conjugate-induced rabbit antibodies were opsonic in vitro and protected mice against challenge with type V GBS. Efficacy ofthe conjugate vaccinealso was demonstrated in a maternal vaccination/neonatal challenge model in mice. A GBS type V polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid conjugate is an effectiveimmunogen in animal models and may be a useful component for inclusion in a multivalent GBS vaccine for human use.