Preclinical laboratory evaluation of a bivalent Staphylococcus aureus saccharide-exotoxin A protein conjugate vaccine.

A bivalent, unadjuvanted conjugate vaccine composed of Staphylococcus aureus capsular polysaccharides type 5 and 8 (T5 and T8 PS) conjugated to a novel carrier protein, the mutant nontoxic recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (rEPA), has been the subject of recent clinical trials. A program of preclinical laboratory evaluation was carried out in support of the clinical trials conducted by the National Vaccine Evaluation Consortium. This involved physical chemical characterization and limited assessment of toxicity and immunogenicity.

Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) immunoassay as an in vitro alternative assay for identity and confirmation of potency.

Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) currently can only be standardised by delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions in sensitised guinea pigs. An in vitro dot blot immunoassay was developed for both identity and confirmation of potency estimation of PPD. Polyclonal antibodies (mainly IgG) were generated and immunoreacted with human, bovine and, to lesser extent, avian PPD preparations.