Application of median lethal concentration (LC50) of pathogenic microorganisms and their antigens in vaccine

Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan1

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue, Nigeria. pharm_saga2006@yahoo.com.

BMC Research Notes
|June 17, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Developing new antimicrobials and vaccines is hindered by a lack of models for pathogenicity and virulence. This study integrates modified formulas to quantify these factors, aiding in the development of effective countermeasures against resistant pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Mathematical Modeling in Life Sciences
  • Vaccine Development

Background:

  • Current mathematical models are inadequate for quantifying pathogenicity and virulence of microorganisms.
  • This limitation significantly impedes the development of novel antimicrobials and vaccines.
  • Addressing this gap is crucial for combating drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and apply an integrated mathematical model for quantifying microbial pathogenicity and virulence.
  • To determine bacterial colony-forming units, viral concentrations, virulence, and immunogenicity.
  • To establish a basis for calculating lethal dose 50% (LC50) and median bacterial concentrations (BC50).

Main Methods:

  • Integration of the modified Reed and Muench formula with other mathematical models.
  • Application of the model to various bacterial and viral pathogens across different animal models (mice, rats, fish, chickens) and in vitro.
  • Calculation of Titer Index (TI) using LC50 values to determine vaccine efficacy and protection levels.

Main Results:

  • Successfully determined LC50 values for pathogens like Sheep Poxvirus (1.93 × 10^3) and Staphylococcus aureus (1.75 × 10^10).
  • Introduced the Titer Index (TI = N log10 LC50) as a measure of protection against lethal doses.
  • Proposed that parasite inoculum ranging from 10^3 to 10^11 can serve as a basis for LC50 and BC50 determination.

Conclusions:

  • The integrated mathematical model provides a robust framework for quantifying pathogenicity and virulence.
  • The Titer Index offers a graded measure of protection, facilitating vaccine efficacy assessment.
  • Pathogenic dose for immune stimulation should be investigated around the LC10 concentration.