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[The plague: disease and vaccine?]
P Michel1, B Rasoamanana, N Rasolofonirina
1Unité de Recherches Immunologiques-Institut Pasteur de Madagascar.
Dakar Medical
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Plague immunity in humans is significant and long-lasting, particularly in endemic areas. Yersinia Outer Proteins (YOP) show promise as a vaccine to control plague in the rodent reservoir.
Area of Science:
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Plague has been endemic in Madagascar since 1896, with persistence linked to a large animal reservoir.
- Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is a virulent bacterium that induces antibody synthesis and targets nodal tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate immunity mechanisms stimulated by Yersinia pestis infection in humans and mice.
- To evaluate the potential of Yersinia Outer Proteins (YOP) as a vaccine for plague control.
Main Methods:
- Immunoenzymatic methods were used to study human immunity.
- Seroprotection and vaccination tests in mice were conducted.
- Western Blot was employed to detect antibodies against YOP.
Main Results:
- Significant immunity (>2 years) was observed in approximately 70% of individuals in endemic areas, compared to 33% in non-endemic areas.
- Human antibodies conferred protection to mice.
- Vaccination with YOP protected animals, similar to antibiotic treatment post-infection.
- YOP aerosols induced antibody production.
Conclusions:
- Plague is a bacterial disease amenable to vaccination.
- Yersinia Outer Proteins (YOP) can serve as an effective vaccine for controlling plague in the rat reservoir.