EXPOSURE OF GUINEA PIGS TO X-IRRADIATION AND P. TULARENSIS OF REDUCED VIRULENCE
Abstract
Studies were conducted to determine and evaluate potential changes in susceptibility, resistance to infection, serology, and subsequent immunity of the guinea pig irradiated before or after respiratory exposure to normally innocuous doses of P. tularensis strain 38A (avirulent) or LVS (live vaccine strain). A 1000-KVP X-ray unit was used for irradiation and it was established that 140 R constituted the maximal sublethal dose for the 325- to 375-g, male, Hartley strain, guinea pig. Although all control animals administered either 140 R of irradiation or P. tularensis via the respiratory route survived, fatalities occurred in animals receiving the combination; and greatest mortality was observed in guinea pigs irradiated prior to respiratory exposure. Exposure of irradiated animals to 38A or LVS did not modify the classical leucopenia normally observed following irradiation; and nonirradiated animals exposed to LVS or 38A exhibited no marked change in blood picture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0450389
Entities
People
- Henery T. Eigelsbach
- John E. Nutter
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories