Abstract
We studied three structurally and antigenically similar capsular polysaccharides: Group C Neisseria meningitidis O-acetyl positive (OAc+) and negative (OAc−) variants, and the cross-reacting E. coli K92 for their ability to induce Group C meningococcal antibodies in adults. All three polysaccharides elicited specific serum antibodies. The OAc− variant was the most immunogenic. Geometric mean pre-immunization anticapsular antibody levels were 1.4 μgm/ml, 0.8 μgm/ml, and 1.2 μgm/ml for groups receiving OAc−, OAc+ and E. coli K92 respectively. Geometric mean antibody titers 3 weeks and 2 months post immunization were 41.7 μgm/ml for OAc−, 22.8 μgm/ml for OAc+, and 7.0 μgm/ml for E. coli K92 (p = 0.001 for OAc− and OAc+ versus K92). No Group C meningococci or cross-reacting organisms were isolated from repeated NP cultures, but one individual demonstrated persistant rectal carriage of E. coli K92. Antibodies elicited by either Group C polysaccharide were bactericidal for OAc+ and OAc− organisms. Absorption of OAc+ antisera with OAc− polysaccharide did not remove all bactericidal antibody. The superior immunogenicity and distinct biochemical characteristics of the OAc− variant support further study in children and infants.
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Glode, M., Lewin, E., Le, C. et al. 771 COMPARATIVE IMMUNOGENICITY OF GROUP C NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS VARIANTS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI K92 CAPSULAR POLYSACCHARIDES IN ADULT VOLUNTEERS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 492 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00776
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00776