Safety and immunogenicity of mastitis vaccine (MASTIS VAC-STM) prepared from fully capsulatedStaphylococcus aureusin cattle

Abstract

Mastitis is a common disease of cows, buffaloes, ewes and goats. Staphylococcus aureus causes the most difficult to treat form of disease. The disease often leads to loss of one or more quarters. Recently, Staphylococcus aureus has been classified into 8 or more types. Staphylococcus aureus type 5 and 8 are responsible for upto 85% mastitis in cows, goat and ewes. Mouse model has been developed to test the safety, immunogenicity and potency of the vaccine. A vaccine has been formulated using capsulated Staphylococcus type 5 and 8, formalin killed and adjuvanted with Aluminum hydroxide gel. The vaccine was found safe in mice, guinea pigs, lactating & pregnant cows. The vaccine was given S/C to cows (98) & buffaloes (20) The antibodies were tested by serum agglutination test. Vaccine induced immune response 15 days after first injection which was boosted by reinjection after 15 days. The vaccine is expected to control acute form of mastitis due to Staphylococcus aureus and to help in quicker recovery after treatment of animals. This study forms the first report of a Staphylococcus aureus vaccine formulated from the fully capsulated form of types which cause ~ 85% of mastitis cases and its immune response has been calibrated with a precise serum agglutination test. Further studies will be required to establish on duration of immunity etc.