Dermal granulomatous hypersensitivity in Q fever: comparative studies of the granulomatous potential of whole cells of Coxiella burnetii phase I and subfractions.
Dermal granulomatous reactivity to Q fever antigens in guinea pigs has been described as a model for vaccine reactions seen in previously sensitized humans. This model has now been applied to study the ability of subfractions of Coxiella burnetii to produce granulomas. Q fever organisms in phase I, trichloroacetic acid-soluble and -insoluble fractions, and the extract and residue of chloroform-methanol extraction were tested for their relative ability to elicit and immunize for dermal granulomatous reactions and specific lymphocyte proliferative responses in guinea pigs. The results suggest that a determinant(s) causing granulomas can be removed by chloroform-methanol extraction of phase I whole cells. The chloroform-methanol residue elicited strong delayed-type hypersensitivity without subsequent granuloma formation. The chloroform-methanol residue appears to possess a determinant(s) for lymphocyte stimulation equivalent to that of whole phase I organisms.
D000818:Animals; D003381:Coxiella / Q000276:immunology*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000276:immunology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007114:Immunization; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D011778:Q Fever / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests