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Immunogenicity of a killed E. coli 0111:K58 vaccine administered orally to children
Insights
Oral vaccination with a killed E. coli 0111:K58 vaccine stimulated antibody responses in both serum and feces in children. Coproantibodies, primarily IgA, appeared earlier and at higher levels than circulating antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The intestinal immune system plays a crucial role in defending against enteric pathogens.
- Oral vaccines offer a promising route for inducing mucosal immunity against gastrointestinal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of an oral killed E. coli 0111:K58 vaccine in children.
- To assess the systemic and mucosal antibody responses following oral vaccination.
Main Methods:
- 16 children (3 months to 7 years) received an oral killed E. coli 0111:K58 vaccine.
- Serum and fecal samples were collected to measure agglutinating antibody titers.
- Specific IgA immunoglobulins in intestinal content were detected.
Main Results:
- All vaccinated children showed detectable antibody responses in both serum and fecal samples.
- Coproantibodies (fecal antibodies) emerged earlier and reached higher titers compared to serum antibodies.
- The presence of specific IgA in fecal extracts correlated with the agglutinating antibody titers, indicating a significant IgA component.
Conclusions:
- The oral killed E. coli 0111:K58 vaccine is immunogenic in children.
- Oral vaccination effectively induces both systemic and mucosal immune responses, with a notable IgA-mediated response in the gut.
- This vaccine strategy holds potential for preventing E. coli-related infections in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
A killed E. coli 0111:K58 vaccine was administered by the oral route to 16 children ranging from 3 months to 7 years of age. The antibody response was measured at different times after the vaccination through the titration of agglutinating antibodies in serum and in fecal extracts, and the detection of specific IgA immunoglobulins in the intestinal content. All vaccines developed antibody response detectable both inserum and in fecal samples. Coproantibodies tended to appear earlier and to attain higher titers than circulating antibodies; they were all least in part IgA immunoglobulins, since the content of specific IgA in the fecal extracts was proportional to the agglutinating titer.