Active and passive mouse-protecting capacity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa protein vaccines.

Abstract

Six different vaccines were prepared, each containing the soluble, practically lipopolysaccharide-free protein extract of 2 or 3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. In active mouse protection tests the vaccines were shown to give protection against both homologous and heterologous serotype strains, and against strain PA-103 producing exotoxin A. In rabbits the vaccines were found to stimulate the production of protective antibodies demonstrable in a passive mouse protection test. The immune serum had a protective effect against the exotoxin A-producing strain PA-103, too. Toxicity of the vaccines was studied in mice (mouse weight gain test) and in rabbits (intracutaneous skin test and pyrogenicity). The vaccines were not or only slightly toxic.