FACTORS INFLUENCING SECONDARY ANTIBODY-RESPONSE TO FLAGELLIN IN MAN

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 34  (2) , 170-178
Abstract
The secondary antibody response to 5.0 .mu.g flagellin [Salmonella adelaide] was studied by hemagglutination in 132 healthy or convalescent subjects given a primary challenge with 5.0 .mu.g flagellin 1-44 mo. previously. The peak titer, expressed as total antibody, occurred at 2 wk and was mainly immunoglobulin (Ig)G. The magnitude of the titer of total antibody was influenced predominantly by that of total antibody in the primary response (P < 0.001), the interval between primary and secondary responses (P < 0.005) and the subjects'' age (P < 0.05) and sex (P < 0.08). Together these accounted for 23% of the variability observed in the secondary response, with total antibody titer in the primary response accounting for 11% of the variability. The titer of IgG antibody was likewise influenced by these 4 variables, but the influence of age or sex on IgG antibody was not statistically significant. In human vaccination programs [against epidemic infectious diseases], choice of the appropriate interval between primary and booster inoculations could increase prophylactic effectiveness and, if 2 inoculations were to prove as effective as 3, there would be reduced work and increased public acceptance. The demonstrable capacity for responsiveness of aged and debilitated persons should encourage the wider use of appropriate prophylactic immunization in these groups.