Efficacy of immunization with a recombinant S. aureus vaccine formulated with liposomes and ODN-CpG against natural S. aureus intramammary infections in heifers and cows

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the ability of a subunit vaccine composed of recombinant molecules of alpha-toxin, beta-toxin, FnBPA and ClfA, formulated with cationic liposomes and CpG-ODN, to confer protection against natural S. aureus intramammary infection (IMI) and to assess the antibody response against the vaccine components. A stringent criterion based on molecular identification of the isolates was used to define IMI. The proportion of animals that developed new S. aureus IMI was higher in the Control group compared with the Vaccine group (reduction of 60.7%), and time to new S. aureus IMI was higher for animals in the Vaccine group compared with animals in the Control group, although not statistically significant. Molecular identification of the isolates allowed the detection of S. aureus pulsotypes that appeared transiently in milk and others that were able to establish IMI, providing a new perspective to define parameters related to the definition of new IMI and cures. Specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 levels against the four recombinant proteins included in the vaccine were significantly increased in the vaccinated group and the recombinant alpha-toxin included in the vaccine generated antibodies that reduced significantly the haemolytic activity of native alpha-toxin. Data reported in the present study indicate a possible effect on both the proportion of animals developing new IMI and the time to new S. aureus IMI, but the incidence of disease within the study was too low to provide statistical confirmation.

Automated summary

The present study evaluated the protective ability of a subunit vaccine composed of recombinant molecules against S. aureus infection and assessed the antibody response to the vaccine components. The results showed that the vaccinated animals had a lower proportion of new S. aureus infection and a longer time to new infection compared to the control group. Additionally, the vaccine induced a significant increase in specific antibodies and reduced the hemolytic activity of the native toxin.