title: Immunological and serological diversity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: identification of new immunotypes and highly protective strains.
abstract: Gonococci, irrespective of serotype or immunotype, varied significantly in their capacity to induce immunity in animal models, and in vitro serological relatedness did not always insure in vivo cross-protection. By using a serum bactericidal assay followed by in vivo cross-protection studies, new immunotypic strains which were highly protective were identified from cultures isolated in different geographical areas and from patients with various clinical manifestations. Beta-lactamase production and gonococcal immunotype did not appear as related characteristics in that certain penicillin-sensitive strains were highly effective in immunizing animals against infection with beta-lactamase producers. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of using appropriate biological tests and strains for the investigation of gonococcal immunity and vaccine development. Immunization with a combination of a few major gonococcal immunotypic immunogens may provide substantial protection against the majority of penicillin-sensitive and beta-lactamase-producing gonococci. Investigation of isolated immunotypic immunogens is in progress.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D000939:Epitopes; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007114:Immunization; D051379:Mice; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000276:immunology*; D012703:Serotyping
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000939:Epitopes