Experimental Preventive Anti-Tularemia Preparation

• Main Authors: O. A. Volokh, E. M. Kuznetsova, E. A. Smol’Kova, T. N. Shchukovskaya, S. A. Bugorkova, N. G. Avdeeva, D. G. Filimonova, T. P. Shmel’Kova, S. N. Klyueva, A. K. Nikiforov
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Federal Government Health Institution, Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” 2013-06-01
• Series: Проблемы особо опасных инфекций
• Subjects: francisella tularensis; антиген; химические вакцины; antigen; chemical vaccines
• Online Access: https://journal.microbe.ru/jour/article/view/37

Designed is an experimental preparation of a prototype chemical tularemia vaccine (PCTV). It is composed of protective antigenic complex (PAC) of tularemia microbe and S-layer protein (Slp) of plague microbe. Determined is optimum ratio of these components in the preparation and schedule of its administration. Displayed are the results of its testing as regards physical-chemical properties, reactogenicity, specific activity and impact on the immune system of laboratory animals. It is found out that preparation of the prototype is non-toxic for white mice and Guinea pigs and has no damaging effect on their immune systems. Single-stage subcutaneous immunization with PCTV induces elaboration of high-level adaptive immunity in laboratory animals within 14–21 days: specific antibody generation and stimulation of immune system cell component. PCTV protective index for white mice in case of experimental tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, is 87,5 % on average; in case of infecting with F. tularensis subsp. nearctica – 50 %; and high-level immunity in both cases. High potency of the experimental preparation against tularemia caused by subsp. holarctica (protective index is 75 %) and high-grade immunity persistence is verified on the model of Guinea pigs too.