"A human vaccine would be valuable for individuals who may be occupationally exposed to brucellae and for persons who consume unpasteurized diary products from areas in which brucellae are endemic," say the researchers.
In the study mice were administered a live oral vaccine containing B. melitensis WR201 bacteria and challenged intranasally with B. melitensis 16M bacteria. Results showed that immunized mice were protected from infection and their lungs remained clear of bacteria.
"We show that levels of strain WR201 are attenuated relative to strain 16M levels when administered orally and induces cellular, humoral, and mucosal immune responses," say the researchers. "These results establish the usefulness of oral vaccination against respiratory challenge with virulent Brucella and suggest that WR201 should be further investigated as a vaccine to prevent human brucellosis."
(M.J. Izadjoo, A.K. Bhattacharjee, C.M. Paranavitana, T.L. Hadfield, D.L. Hoover. 2004. Oral vaccination with Brucella melitensis WR201 protects mice against intranasal challenge with virulent Brucella melitensis 16M. Infection and Immunity, 72. 7: 4031-4039.)
New Patch May Enhance Effects of Flu Virus Vaccine in Aging Population
Researchers from Maryland have developed a patch designed to stimulate the immune system and enhance the effectiveness of the injected flu vaccine. Their findings appear in the July 2004 issue of the Journal of Virology.
The elderly population is one of the
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Contact: Jim Sliwa
jsliwa@asmusa.org
202-942-9389
American Society for Microbiology
15-Jul-2004