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Vaccination with Brucella abortus rough mutant RB51 protects BALB/c mice against virulent strains of Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella ovis.

Vaccination of BALB/c mice with live Brucella abortus RB51, a stable rough mutant, produced protection against challenge with virulent strains of Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella ovis. Passive-transfer experiments indicated that vaccinated mice were protected against B. abortus 2308 through cell-mediated immunity, against B. ovis PA through humoral immunity, and against B. melitensis 16M through both forms of immunity. Live bacteria were required for the induction of protective cell-mediated immunity; vaccination with whole killed cells of strain RB51 failed to protect mice against B. abortus 2308 despite development of good delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Protective antibodies against the heterologous species were generated in vaccinated mice primarily through anamnestic responses following challenge infections. Growth of the antigenically unrelated bacterium Listeria monocytogenes in the spleens of vaccinated mice indicated that nonspecific killing by residual activated macrophages contributed minimally to protection. These results encourage the continued investigation of strain RB51 as an alternative vaccine against heterologous Brucella species. However, its usefulness against B. ovis would be limited if, as suggested here, epitopes critical for protective cell-mediated immunity are not shared between B. abortus and B. ovis.

Animals↗

Differentiation of Brucella abortus bv. 1, 2, and 4, Brucella melitensis, Brucella ovis, and Brucella suis bv. 1 by PCR.

Several PCR assays which identify the genus Brucella but do not discriminate among species have been reported. We describe a PCR assay that comprises five oligonucleotide primers which can identify selected biovars of four species of Brucella. Individual biovars within a species are not differentiated. The assay can identify three biovars (1, 2, and 4) of B. abortus, all three biovars of B. melitensis, biovar 1 of B. suis, and all B. ovis biovars. These biovars include all of the Brucella species typically isolated from cattle in the United States, a goal of the present research. The assay exploits the polymorphism arising from species-specific localization of the genetic element IS711 in the Brucella chromosome. Identity is determined by the size(s) of the product(s) amplified from primers hybridizing at various distances from the element. The performance of the assay with U.S. field isolates was highly effective. When 107 field isolates were screened by the described method, there was 100% agreement with the identifications made by conventional methods. Six closely related bacteria (Agrobacterium radiobacter, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Ochrobactrum anthropi, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Rhizobium meliloti, and Rhodospirillum rubrum) and two control bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica and Escherichia coli) tested negative by the assay.

Base Sequence↗

Brucella suis S2, brucella melitensis Rev. 1 and Brucella abortus S19 living vaccines: residual virulence and immunity induced against three Brucella species challenge strains in mice.

Live attenuated Brucella suis S2 vaccine was compared to living vaccines B. abortus S19 and B. melitensis Rev. 1 in mice. Residual virulence was estimated by ability to multiply and persist in spleen and lymph nodes. Immunogenicity was estimated by spleen counts of control and vaccinated mice challenged either with the reference B. abortus 544 strain or with virulent B. melitensis H38 and B. suis 1330 strains. S2 vaccine had lower residual virulence; expressed as 50% recovery time, persistence was 4.3 weeks, compared to 7.1 and 9.0 weeks for S19 and Rev. 1 vaccines. Immunity induced by the three vaccines was similar 45 days after vaccination. At 150 days, immunity by S19 and Rev.1 was still similar against the three challenge strains. In contrast, immunity induced by S2 had declined against the B. melitensis strain. Thus, a recall vaccination may be required for vaccination of sheep to confer a long-lasting immunity.

Animals↗

Identification of Brucella by ribosomal-spacer-region PCR and differentiation of Brucella canis from other Brucella spp. pathogenic for humans by carbohydrate profiles.

Molecular and chemical characteristics often provide complementary information in the differentiation of closely related organisms. The genus Brucella consists of a highly conserved group of organisms. Identification of the four species pathogenic in humans (Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus, Brucella suis, and Brucella canis) is problematic for many clinical laboratories that depend primarily on serology and phenotypic characteristics to differentiate species. PCR amplification of the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA interspace region was evaluated for species-specific polymorphism. B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, and B. canis produced identical PCR interspace profiles. However, these PCR products were unique to brucellae, allowing them to be readily distinguished from other gram-negative bacteria (including Bartonella spp. and Agrobacterium spp.). Carbohydrate profiles differentiated B. canis from the other three Brucella species due to the absence of the rare amino sugar quinovosamine in the three other species. PCR of the rRNA interspace region is useful in identification of the genus Brucella, while carbohydrate profiling is capable of differentiating B. canis from the other Brucella species.

Base Sequence↗

Brucella abortus-specific immunoglobulin isotypes in serum and vaginal mucus from heifers vaccinated with Brucella abortus salt-extractable proteins and challenge exposed with virulent Brucella organisms.

Serum and vaginal Brucella-specific immunoglobulin isotypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA), obtained from 62 crossbred beef heifers vaccinated with Brucella abortus salt-extractable proteins and subsequently challenge exposed with B abortus S2308, were studied. Brucella-specific IgG antibodies and Brucella-specific immunoglobulin isotypes were quantitated by a fluorometric immunoassay. Serum and vaginal immunoglobulin responses were evaluated as a method of distinguishing infected from noninfected heifers. Rivanol precipitation, complement-fixation, buffered-antigen brucellosis tests and an ELISA were performed on sera. For immunoglobulin isotypes, vaccinated heifers had mean antibody responses higher than baseline mean antibody responses for at least 31 weeks after vaccination. After challenge exposure, significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were not detected between mean antibody responses of vaccinated and nonvaccinated heifers. Vaginal Brucella-specific antibody responses did not correlate with protection from disease. Vaginal Brucella-specific IgM was detected only at the time of abortion. Vaginal IgA appeared specific for identification of virulent B abortus infection. All serotests appeared adequate in distinguishing baseline titers from titers of heifers that had aborted and were considered bacteriologic culture-positive. Results of serotests neither consistently distinguished vaccinates from challenge-exposed cattle nor distinguished heifers that were challenge exposed, had aborted, and were considered bacteriologic culture-positive adequately from heifers that were challenge-exposed, had not aborted, and were considered bacteriologic culture-negative. Brucella-specific IgA appeared to be the most effective in distinguishing vaccinated heifers from challenge- exposed heifers and heifers that were challenge exposed and had aborted, from heifers that were challenge exposed and had not aborted. Brucella-specific serum IgA was detected up to 13 weeks after abortion.

Animals↗

Brucella abortus RB51 and hot saline extract from Brucella ovis as antigens in a complement fixation test used To detect sheep vaccinated with Brucella abortus RB51.

The efficacy of Brucella abortus RB51 and hot saline extract (HSE) from Brucella ovis as antigens in complement fixation (CF) tests was comparatively evaluated in detecting immune responses of sheep vaccinated with B. abortus strain RB51. For this study, four 5-month-old sheep were vaccinated subcutaneously with 5 x 10(9) CFU of RB51, and two sheep received saline. Serum samples collected at different times after vaccination were tested for the presence of antibodies to RB51 by a CF test with RB51 as antigen, previously deprived of anticomplementary activity, and with HSE antigen, which already used as the official antigen to detect B. ovis-infected sheep. The results showed that vaccinated sheep developed antibodies which reacted weakly against HSE antigen and these antibodies were detectable for 30 days after vaccination. However, antibodies to RB51 could be detected for a longer period after vaccination by using homologous RB51 antigen in CF tests. In fact, high titers were still present at 110 days postvaccination with RB51 antigen. Sera from sheep naturally infected with B. ovis also reacted to RB51 but gave lower titers than those detected by HSE antigen. As expected, all sera from RB51-vaccinated sheep remained negative when tested with standard S-type Brucella standard antigens.

Animals↗

Real-time detection of Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis.

Real-time PCR-based assays specific for Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis were developed. The assays utilize an upstream primer that is derived from 3' end of the genetic element IS 711, whereas the downstream primers and probes are designed from signature sequences specific to a species or a biovar. The PCR reactions were monitored for fluorescence resonance energy transfer by including two adjacent labeled probes that hybridize to the amplicons as they are formed. The upstream probes were labeled with fluorescein at 3' end while Cy5 was attached to the 5' end of the downstream probes. An increase in the ratio of fluorescein to Cy5 fluorescence during the cycling was indicative of positive amplification event. The assays were accomplished in less than 30 min using a LightCycler in real-time mode. The assays were tested on known strains as well as field isolates and were found to be specific for all known biovars of B. abortus, B. melitensis and biovar 1 of B. suis. Therefore, specificity, sensitivity, speed and real-time detection make these assays attractive for use in epidemiological and ecological studies.

Brucella↗

Comparison of the efficacy of Brucella abortus strain RB51 and Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 live vaccines against experimental infection with Brucella melitensis in pregnant ewes.

To test the efficacy of rough Brucella strain vaccines in sheep, a vaccine recently developed in cattle (Brucella abortus strain RB51) was assessed in comparison with the conventional Rev. 1 vaccine. Forty-five ewes from twelve to fourteen months of age, from brucellosis-free flocks, were allotted to three groups of fifteen ewes each. Group one was vaccinated by the conjunctival route with 1.73 x 10(8) colony forming units (CFU) of Rev. 1 vaccine. Group two was vaccinated subcutaneously with 11 x 10(9) CFU of RB51 vaccine and group three was considered as a control. All sheep were challenged at two to three months of gestation with 5 x 10(7) CFU of virulent B. melitensis H38. Vaccination with RB51 vaccine did not result in the production of any antibodies against the O-side chain of lipopolysaccharide, as measured by conventional serological tests (Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test). Protection of sheep against abortion and excretion of virulent Brucella strain in vaginal fluid, aborted foetuses and/or non viable lambs at parturition and abortion was significantly lower than that afforded by Rev. 1 vaccine. The difference compared to the control group was not significant. Data from this study suggest that the RB51 vaccine used for cattle vaccination does not provide effective protection of sheep against abortion induced by B. melitensis.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Protection of BALB/c mice against homologous and heterologous species of Brucella by rough strain vaccines derived from Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis biovar 4.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate stable rough mutants derived from Brucella melitensis 16M and B suis 2579 (biovar 4) as vaccines against homologous and heterologous Brucella spp in the BALB/c mouse model. DESIGN, ANIMALS, AND PROCEDURE: Rough mutants VTRM1 and VTRS1 were obtained from B melitensis 16M and B suis 2579, respectively, by allelic exchange of rfbU gene encoding mannosyltransferase with a Tn5-disrupted rfbU gene. Mice were vaccinated with VTRM1 or VTRS1 and challenge exposed 8 weeks later. RESULTS: VTRM1 and VTRS1 replicated extensively in the spleen during the first 3 weeks of infection, then decreased rapidly. Antibodies specific for the O polysaccharide were not detected in sera of mice inoculated with either rough strain. Vaccination with VTRM1 or VTRS1 induced protection against virulent strains of B abortus (2308), B melitensis (16M), B suis biovar 1 (750), and B suis biovar 4 (2579). VTRM1 also protected against B ovis (PA) and against 4 field isolates of B abortus from bison or elk. VTRS1 conferred protection against 4 field isolates of B suis biovar 4 from reindeer. Vaccines prepared from live VTRM1 or VTRS1 provided significantly greater protection than that afforded by vaccines of killed cells in QS-21 adjuvant. Vaccination with VTRM1 containing VTRS1 gave minimal protection against the antigenically unrelated Listeria monocytogenes, thus demonstrating the immunologic specificity of protection against Brucella spp. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results encourage evaluation, in primary host species, of VTRM1 and VTRS1, along with RB51, as alternative vaccines to strain 19, Rev 1, or other smooth phase vaccines.

Alleles↗

Evolution and taxonomy in the genus Brucella: progesterone induction of filterable forms of Brucella abortus type 2 with revertant characteristics essentially indistinguishable in vitro from those of Brucella ovis.

An organism essentially indistinguishable from Brucella ovis, as determined by conventional and manometric techniques of identifying Brucella organisms, was derived in vitro from a strain of Brucella abortus type 2. The basic mechanism responsible for derivation of this organism was incomplete reversion of the L-forms to their original parental characteristics. The agent used to induce the L-forms was a physiologic concentration of progesterone incorporated in the growth medium.

Biological Evolution↗

Brucella species lacking the major outer membrane protein Omp25 are attenuated in mice and protect against Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis.

To aid in the development of novel efficacious vaccines against brucellosis, Omp25 was examined as a potential candidate. To determine the role of Omp25 in virulence, mutants were created with Brucella abortus (BA25), Brucella melitensis (BM25), and Brucella ovis (BO25) which contain disruptions in the omp25 gene (Deltaomp25 mutants). Western immunoblot analysis and PCR verified that the Omp25 protein was not expressed and that the omp25 gene was disrupted in each strain. BALB/c mice infected with B. abortus BA25 or B. melitensis BM25 showed a significant decrease in mean CFU/spleen at 18 and 4 weeks post-infection, respectively, when compared to the virulent parental strain (P<0.05, n=5). Mice infected with B. ovis BO25 had significantly lower mean CFU/spleen counts from 1 to 8 weeks post-infection, at which point the mutant was cleared from the spleens (P<0.01, n=5). Murine vaccination with either BM25 or the current caprine vaccine B. melitensis strain Rev. 1 resulted in more than a 2log(10) reduction in bacterial load following challenge with virulent B. melitensis (P<0.01, n=5). Vaccination of mice with the B. ovis mutant resulted in clearance of the challenge strain and provided 2.5log(10) greater protection against virulent B. ovis than vaccine strain Rev. 1. Based on these data, the B. melitensis and B. ovis Deltaomp25 mutants are interesting vaccine candidates that are currently under study in our laboratory for their safety and efficacy in small ruminants.

Animals↗

Comparison of the efficacy of Brucella suis strain 2 and Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 live vaccines against a Brucella melitensis experimental infection in pregnant ewes.

The comparative efficacy of Brucella suis strain 2 (S2) and Brucella melitensis strain Rev. 1 (Rev. 1) live vaccines in protecting sheep against B. melitensis infection was evaluated by clinical and bacteriological examination of ewes vaccinated conjunctivally with a dose of 1 x 10(9) c.f.u. when 4 months old and then challenged with 5 x 10(7) c.f.u. of the B. melitensis virulent strain 53H38 (H38) at the middle of the first or second pregnancy following vaccination. Animals were considered to be protected when no abortion, no excretion of the challenge strain and no infection at slaughter occurred. The percentages of protection in Rev. 1-vaccinated groups challenged during either first (80%) or second (62%) pregnancy were significantly different (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared with those of the relevant unvaccinated control groups. In contrast no significant difference in protection was found between the S2-vaccinated and control groups.

Animals↗

IMMUNIZATION AGAINST BRUCELLA INFECTION. 10. THE RELATIVE IMMUNOGENICITY OF BRUCELLA ABORTUS STRAIN 19-BA AND BRUCELLA MELITENSIS STRAIN REV I IN CYNOMOLGUS PHILIPPINENSIS.

Continuing previous studies, the authors investigated the immunogenicity of low doses of Brucella melitensis strain Rev I in Cynomolgus monkeys challenged by the respiratory route and compared the efficacy of Rev I vaccine with that of vaccine from Br. abortus strain 19-BA.Challenge with the virulent Br. melitensis strain 6015 indicated that 19-BA vaccine was considerably more effective when administered intracutaneously than subcutaneously, whereas with Rev I vaccine the difference was slight, but Rev I conferred immunity in much lower doses. It was found that a dose as low as 260 cells of Rev I led to a high degree of immunity, although there was a very pronounced delay in the bacteriological response. The authors conclude that the results obtained justify trials of the safety of Rev I vaccine for man in the low dosage effective for cynomolgi.

Animals↗

Characterization of Brucella abortus O-polysaccharide and core lipopolysaccharide mutants and demonstration that a complete core is required for rough vaccines to be efficient against Brucella abortus and Brucella ovis in the mouse model.

Brucella abortus rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mutants were obtained by transposon insertion into two wbk genes (wbkA [putative glycosyltransferase; formerly rfbU] and per [perosamine synthetase]), into manB (pmm [phosphomannomutase; formerly rfbK]), and into an unassigned gene. Consistent with gene-predicted roles, electrophoretic analysis, 2-keto-3-manno-D-octulosonate measurements, and immunoblots with monoclonal antibodies to O-polysaccharide, outer and inner core epitopes showed no O-polysaccharide expression and no LPS core defects in the wbk mutants. The rough LPS of manB mutant lacked the outer core epitope and the gene was designated manB(core) to distinguish it from the wbk manB(O-Ag). The fourth gene (provisionally designated wa**) coded for a putative glycosyltransferase involved in inner core synthesis, but the mutant kept the outer core epitope. Differences in phage and polymyxin sensitivity, exposure or expression of outer membrane protein, core and lipid A epitopes, and lipid A acylation demonstrated that small changes in LPS core caused significant differences in B. abortus outer membrane topology. In mice, the mutants showed different degrees of attenuation and induced antibodies to rough LPS and outer membrane proteins. Core-defective mutants and strain RB51 were ineffective vaccines against B. abortus in mice. The mutants per and wbkA induced protection but less than the standard smooth vaccine S19, and controls suggested that anti O-polysaccharide antibodies accounted largely for the difference. Whereas no core-defective mutant was effective against B. ovis, S19, RB51, and the wbkA and per mutants afforded similar levels of protection. These results suggest that rough Brucella vaccines should carry a complete core for maximal effectiveness.

Animals↗

Protection against Brucella melitensis or Brucella abortus in mice with immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM monoclonal antibodies specific for a common epitope shared by the Brucella A and M smooth lipopolysaccharides.

Mice passively immunized prior to a challenge infection with immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for a common epitope of both A- and M-dominant strains had viable Brucella abortus 544 or Brucella melitensis H38 counts in the spleen reduced to the same extent as did mice passively immunized with MAbs specific for either the A or the M epitope. The IgA MAb was not effective.

Animals↗