Protection in a mouse peritonitis model mediated by iron-regulated outer-membrane protein of Salmonella typhi coupled to its Vi antigen

Abstract

Vi polysaccharide and iron-regulated outer-membrane proteins (IROMPs) were extracted and purified from the standard strain of Salmonella typhi, Ty2. These were then conjugated by chemical coupling using the carbodimide method. Vi–IROMP conjugate was tested for its ability to protect against colonization by S. typhi in different organs. Mice immunized with 2.5 μg Vi–IROMP conjugate showed the most protection, as the least bacterial colonization of spleen, liver and Peyer's patches was observed. Peritoneal macrophages obtained from conjugate-treated mice phagocytosed bacteria efficiently. Circulating antibodies and the delayed type hypersensitivity response elucidated by mouse foot-pad swelling was significantly higher in conjugate-treated animals. These results clearly demonstrate that an IROMP and polysaccharide conjugate of S. typhi prepared from the same strain has the potential to protect animals against challenge.