Soluble fractions of Pasteurella multocida: their protective qualities against fowl cholera in turkeys

Soluble fractions of Pasteurella multocida strain P1059 were extracted from a single source by four methods, and their immunogenicity was evaluated by challenge exposure in turkeys. The fractions were extracted by 1) heating in 2.5% NaCl, 2) 0.5M potassium thiocyanate, 3) 1.0M sodium salicylate, and 4) prolonged stirring in formalin solution followed by pelleting (LPS-protein antigen). Eighty percent to 90% of infected turkeys were protected in two trials by vaccination with the saline extract or LPS-protein antigen, whereas less consistent protection was associated with the other two preparations. Endotoxin content was the highest in LPS-protein antigen, followed by KSCN, Na salicylate, and saline extract in that order. The four fractions contained at least one common antigen, which had previously been shown to be a surface-protective antigen.