Protection against Staphylococcus aureus and tetanus infections by a combined vaccine containing SasA and TeNT‑Hc in mice.

Abstract

In developing countries, trauma patients and neonates are vulnerable to Staphylococcusaureus (S.aureus) and Clostridiumtetani infections. It has been suggested that a combined vaccine against the two infections may be a reliable and cost‑effective strategy. Previous studies have indicated that the S.aureus surface protein A (SasA) and the C fragment of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT‑Hc) may be suitable candidates for a vaccine against S. aureus and tetanus infections, respectively. In the present study, mice were immunized with a combined vaccine containing SasA and TeNT‑Hc, which induced a robust immune response to both antigens, and mutual interference between SasA and TeNT‑Hc was not observed. In the S.aureus challenge model, the combined vaccine fully protected BALB/c mice against lethal intraperitoneal challenges with 3x109 colony‑forming units of a methicillin‑resistant S.aureus USA300 strain. In the TeNT challenge model, the combined vaccine conferred complete protection against a lethal dose of (2x103) xLD50 tetanus toxin. These results implied that SasA and TeNT‑Hc promising components for a combined vaccine against S.aureus and tetanus infections.