[Immunogenicity of B-antigen in experimental plague and pseudotuberculosis]

The results of the evaluation of the immunogenic properties of B-antigen, earlier identified in the culture fluid of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis submerged culture, with respect to experimental plague and pseudotuberculosis are presented. B-antigen has been shown to produce protective effect in guinea pigs and, probably, hamadryas baboons, but not in white mice infected with the causative agent of plague. Immunizaton with B-antigen protects guinea pigs from primary pneumonic plague caused by both capsule-forming and noncapsular Y. pestis virulent strains. Passive immunization with antibodies to B-antigen induces limitedly pronounced protective effect in guinea pigs and is not effective for white mice with respect to experimental plague. No active or passive protection of white mice or guinea pigs, infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis cultures, has been achieved by the injection of B-antigen or antibodies to it.