ANTIBODY-RESPONSE IN MAN FOLLOWING A SMALL INTRADERMAL INOCULATION WITH COXIELLA-BURNETII PHASE-I VACCINE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 23  (1) , 73-81
Abstract
A small inoculum (0.2 .mu.g) of phase I C. burnetii vaccine given to previously sensitized individuals elicited a positive skin reaction and a strong Immunoglobulin M [IgM] phase I antibody response as determined by microagglutination, complement fixation and microimmunofluorescence tests. A similar inoculum administered to nonsensitized individuals did not elicit a skin reaction nor stimulate a recognizable antibody response. Serum from 1 sensitized and skin tested individuals was fractionated by gel filtration methods. The serum and serum fractions were titrated in a mouse seroprotection test using a primary chicken embryo cell culture plaque assay technique. Results of the mouse seroprotection test indicated that most of the protective activity of the serum was associated with the IgM fraction. Phase I IgM antibody suppressed the growth of C. burnetii in mouse spleen when mixed with the rickettsial suspension prior to inoculation.