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Enhanced effect of repeated administration of bacterial vaccine against viral respiratory infection
Abstract:
Administration of a standard bacterial vaccine (SBV) affords some protection against influenza infection in mice if given 4 to 5 h before inoculation of the virus. This effect was enhanced by repeated injections of SBV 7 and 14 days earlier, as measured by the length of survival, mortality rate, development of gross pneumonia, and virus multiplication in the lungs. Serum interferon levels were likewise enhanced by immunization with SBV, which may, at least in part, explain the increased preventive effect.
Insights
Administering a standard bacterial vaccine (SBV) before influenza virus exposure in mice offers protection. Repeated SBV injections significantly enhance this protective effect, potentially through increased serum interferon levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Influenza virus poses a significant global health threat.
- Standard bacterial vaccines (SBV) are primarily used for bacterial infections.
- Investigating non-traditional uses of vaccines can reveal novel protective mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effect of standard bacterial vaccine (SBV) against influenza virus infection in a mouse model.
- To determine if repeated SBV administration enhances protection against influenza.
- To explore the role of serum interferon in SBV-mediated protection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated with influenza virus at varying times after SBV administration.
- Repeated SBV injections were administered 7 and 14 days prior to viral challenge.
- Protection was assessed by survival rates, mortality, gross pneumonia, and lung virus load.
- Serum interferon levels were measured.
Main Results:
- A single SBV dose 4-5 hours before viral inoculation provided partial protection against influenza.
- Repeated SBV injections significantly improved survival, reduced mortality, and decreased lung viral load.
- Enhanced serum interferon levels were observed following SBV immunization.
- SBV administration mitigated the development of gross pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- Standard bacterial vaccines can confer protection against influenza virus infection in mice.
- Repeated SBV immunization amplifies protective effects against influenza.
- Increased serum interferon levels likely contribute to the enhanced protection observed with SBV.