Immunization response of rabbits and Guinea pigs to different antigens of Bacillus anthracis vaccine strain

Abstract

A crude protective antigen (CPA), anthrax live spore vaccine (LS) and formaldehyde inactivated spores (FIS) of Bacillus anthracis, were prepared to evaluate their immune response in rabbits. Also these antigens were inoculated into guinea pigs to study their protective efficacy. In rabbits vaccinated with LS anthrax vaccine, antibodies were raised against the LS, FIS and CPA, antibodies induced against FIS and CPA has similar optical densities (ODs) but it is increased in LS. However, rabbits inoculated with CPA, again produced antibodies against the three antigens this is due to anti- PA neutralizing and anti-spore activities. Protective efficacy of LS, FIS and CPA in guinea pigs varied, it was 100%, 40%, and 20% respectively. The non-vaccinated control animals died in 48 and 72 hours but most of guinea pigs inoculated with FIS and CPA died after 72 hours this might be due partial immunity acquired by the FIS and CPA.