Development of a mouse model to estimate the potency of the diphtheria toxoid component of diphtheria-tetanus and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines

Abstract

A mouse model to estimate the potency of the diphtheria toxoid component in diphtheriatetanus vaccines and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines has been developed as an alternative to the conventional method of testing in guinea-pigs. Optimal conditions with regard to dose, route and period of immunization have been standardized. The maximum levels of antitoxin were detected five weeks after vaccination and the s.c. route was found to be optimal. Potency data have been compared with other studies in mouse models and with those obtained by the conventional method in guinea-pigs.