Abstract

INFANTE, Juan Francisco et al. VA-MENGOC-BC® efficacy evaluation in Balb/c mice challenged with serogroups A, B and C. Vaccimonitor [online]. 2003, vol.12, n.4, pp.9-15. ISSN 1025-028X.

There are several animal models for the experimental reproduction of human meningococcal disease. Their usefulness in the evaluation of immunization and therapy, as well as in the pathogenesis of the disease is unquestionable. The present paper describes the assessment of the efficacy of VA-MENGOCBC ® and the Human BC Antimeningococcal Globulin against Neisseria meningitidis groups A, B and C using mice treated with iron dextran and mucin as virulence enhancers. Mice were immunized intraperitoneally with one, two or three doses (0.5 mL) of VA-MENGOC-BC®. The time elapsed between the first and a second dose was three weeks and 15 days between the second and the last one. The challenge was performed with lethal doses (1-3xDL50) of N. meningitidis A, B or C, 15 or 21 days after the last immunizing dose. In order to test the efficacy of the Human Antimeningococcal Globulin as a means of passive immunization, a different group of mice was treated 30 min, 2 h and 6 h after bacterial inoculation. Five milligrams of globulin were administered intravenously or intraperitoneally to each mouse. Results demonstrated that VA-MENGOC-BC® and the Human BC Antimeningococcal Globulin confer significant protection against a lethal challenge with N. meningitidis A, B and C in mice treated with virulence enhancement agents.

Keywords : VA-MENGOC-BC®; Human Antimeningococcal Globulin BC; mouse; mucin; iron dextran; challenge; protection.

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