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Immune Response of the Rat to Outer Membrane Proteins of Legionella Pneumophila

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) were recovered from eleven strains (eight serogroups) of Legionella pneumophila by sequential treatment with Tris buffer (pH 8), citrate buffer(pH 2.75) and Tris buffer (pH 8). Transmission electron microscopy revealed clearly the separation of the outer membrane from the bacteria. The development of delayed hypersensitivity was also noted by measuring the area of arythema and induration produced by intradermal injections of the MPSs from Chicago 8 strain. The adjuvants enhanced greatly both active and cell-meditated immunity (CMI). Transient lymphocytopenia with a slight rise in neutrophils was noted in each of the immunized groups. Intraperitoneal challenge, seven days after the OMP booster, of one LD (1.5 x10^6) of legionellae resulted in lymphocytopenia with elevated neutrophils. All immunized rats survived the challenge, although those in the saline-OMP group were clearly the sickest. Post-challenge, legionella antibody titers rose greatly and CMI was heightened. Passive immunization (homologous and heterologous) was found to protect the rats from a challenge of on LD. Actively-immunized rats retained their immunity for at least six months as determined by their resistance to a second challenge.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc935780
Date08 1900
CreatorsAhanotu, Ejemihu Ndu
ContributorsJohansson, Karl, Goven, Arthur James, 1950-, Kester, Andrew S., Vela, G. Roland, 1927-
PublisherNorth Texas State University
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatviii, 163 leaves : ill., Text
RightsPublic, Ahanotu, Ejemihu Ndu, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights

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