Simultaneous Immunization with Omp25 and L7/L12 Provides Protection against Brucellosis in Mice

Abstract

Currently used Brucella vaccines, Brucella abortus strain 19 and RB51, comprises of live attenuated Brucella strains and prevent infection in animals. However, these vaccines pose potential risks to recipient animals such as attenuation reversal and virulence in susceptible hosts on administration. In this context, recombinant subunit vaccines emerge as a safe and competent alternative in combating the disease. In this study, we formulated a divalent recombinant vaccine consisting of Omp25 and L7/L12 of B. abortus and evaluated vaccine potential individually as well as in combination. Sera obtained from divalent vaccine (Omp25+L7/L12) immunized mice group exhibited enhanced IgG titers against both components and indicated specificity upon immunoblotting reiterating its authenticity. Further, the IgG1/IgG2a ratio obtained against each antigen predicted a predominant Th2 immune response in the Omp25+L7/L12 immunized mice group. Upon infection with virulent B. abortus 544, Omp25+L7/L12 infected mice exhibited superior Log10 protection compared to individual vaccines. Consequently, this study recommends that simultaneous immunization of Omp25 and L7/L12 as a divalent vaccine complements and triggers a Th2 mediated immune response in mice competent of providing protection against brucellosis.