Protective Value of Gamma Globulin Preparations against Group B Streptococcal Infections in Chick Embryos and Mice

Abstract

SummaryI'he protective value of pooled human gamma globulin (GG) and a group B streptococcal immune globulin (GBSIG) was studied in a chick embryo and a murine model of group B streptococcal (GBS) infection. Chick embryos were protected by the I V administration of 0.4 to 0.8 mg of GG from three manufacturers against I V challenge with type l a GBS. Two of three G G preparations at doses of 0.4 to 1.65 mg protected chick embryos against type 111, but 1.65 mg of all three preparations failed to protect against GBS types I b and 11. Mice were protected from lethal I P challenges with types l a and I b by the prior IM inoculation of three and two of the three GG preparations at doses of 0.5 to 1.0 mg, respectively. Administration IM of 1 mg of GG failed to protect mice against types 11 and 111.The I V administration of 0.2 mg of GBSIG protected chick embryos against I V inoculation with GBS types la, Ib, 11, and 111. Administration IM of 0.5 mg of GBSIG protected mice against I P challenges with types la, Ib, and 11, but not with type 111. The I P administration of 0.25 mg of GBSlC simultaneously with type 111 GBS protected mice, whereas GG was not protective. GBSIG should undergo clinical trials for the prevention of GBS infections and their recurrences and as a possible adjunct to antibiotic and supportive therapy of severe GBS infections.

Human IgG Antibodies to Carbohydrate and Protein Antigens in Mouse Protection Tests with Group B Streptococci

“…This demonstrated again a correlation between antibody levels and mouse protection. Most studies by others were concerned with the correlation between mouse protection and in vitro phagocytic assays (1 1, 12,13,29,34,38).…”

“…On the other hand, a number of studies have been published concerning the protective effect of gammaglobulin preparations in experimental GBS-infections. Three animal species have been used: chicken embryos (38), neonatal rats (1 1, 12, 29) and mice (3,13,34). Most interest has been focused on carbohydrate antigens, in particular type I11 antigen (3, 1 1, 12, 13,29), whereas few studies concerning types Ia, Ib and I1 have been reported (34,38).…”

“…Three animal species have been used: chicken embryos (38), neonatal rats (1 1, 12, 29) and mice (3,13,34). Most interest has been focused on carbohydrate antigens, in particular type I11 antigen (3, 1 1, 12, 13,29), whereas few studies concerning types Ia, Ib and I1 have been reported (34,38). With one exception (3), the studies showed a protective effect of gammaglobulin (1 1, 12,13,29,34,38).…”

Newborn Sepsis following Antepartum Group B Streptococcal Maternal Infection in Rats

“…Previously described animal models for GBS sepsis have included inoculation of bacteria into amniotic fluid (9) and directly into newborns (5,10,11) and have not included maternal infection. This animal model of vertical transmission can be used to study the mechanisms of transmission of GBS from mother to infant and to investigate regimens aimed at preventing earlyonset group B ~t r e~t o c~c c a l infection.…”

“…To delineate the role of growth hormone (GH) in the development and function of the immune system, immunological parameters including quantitative immunoglobulins, T and B lymphocytes, phytohemagglutinin lymphoproliferative response and delayed hypersensitivity skin tests were studied in nine GH-deficient children prior to GH therapy and at 2 months and 9 to 12 months following therapy. The phytohemagglutinin response (74.1 + 37.6, mean f SD), and the T rosette (58.3% GH plays a significant role in the normal development of thymic-dependent immune function in lower mammals (3,4,11,14). Although immune deficiency states in man are frequently associated with impaired growth, abnormalities of GH secretion has not been implicated in such conditions.…”