IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ANTHRAX: 4. EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNOGENICITY OF THREE COMPONENTS OF ANTHRAX TOXIN
Abstract
Three components of anthrax toxin (edema factor, protective antigen, and lethal factor) were separated and tested singly at three dose levels and in factorial combination (27 treatments) to determine their efficacy as immunogens in a resistant host (rat) and in a susceptible host (guinea pig). The efficacy of each component used as an immunogen was determined by its ability to (1) protect against the establishment of the disease, (2) influence the number of bacilli-ml of blood at death, (3) change the units of toxin/ml of blood at death, (4) affect the antibody titer (Ouchterlony), and (5) alter the units of toxin neutralized/ml of blood. Lethal factor was the only immunogenic component against both R. anthracis spore and toxin challenge in each of the hosts tested. Protective antigen was protective in the guinea pig as both a primary and interactive response. In both animals the edema factor was nonimmunogenic by the methods of evaluation and gave poor protection against both the spore and toxin challenge; however, certain interactions were noted. The interaction of antibody and the dual defense mechanisms in resistant and susceptible hosts are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0468159
Entities
People
- Bertram W. Haines
- Bill G. Mahlandt
- Frederick Klein
- Ralph E. Lincoln
- William I. Jones Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories