Immunization Against Clostridium perfringens Protects Against Clostridium tetani
Author Information
Author(s): Alam Syed Imteyaz, Bansod Sunita, Singh Lokendra
Primary Institution: Defence Research & Development Establishment, Gwalior, India
Hypothesis
Can immunization with Clostridium perfringens provide cross-protection against Clostridium tetani?
Conclusion
Immunization with Clostridium perfringens whole cells provides cross-protective immunity against Clostridium tetani infection in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Eight cross-reactive proteins were identified that may contribute to immunity against Clostridium tetani.
- Immunization with C. perfringens resulted in a high titer of antibodies.
- Survival rates of immunized mice challenged with C. tetani were significantly higher than those of sham-immunized mice.
Takeaway
If you get a shot with a certain bacteria, it can help protect you from another bacteria that causes a different disease.
Methodology
Mice were immunized with heat-killed Clostridium perfringens and then challenged with Clostridium tetani to assess protection.
Limitations
The study did not explore the binding of antibodies to tetanus toxin, which may affect the interpretation of protection mechanisms.
Participant Demographics
Four-week-old female BALB/c mice were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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