ADJUVANT PROPERTIES OF KILLED PROPIONIBACTERIUM-AVIDUM KP-40 IN VACCINATION OF DOGS AGAINST CANINE PARVOVIROSIS

Immunomodulating and adjuvant properties of Propionibacterium avidum K P-40 (PA), a potent stimulator of the macrophage-monocyte system and i nducer of endogenous interferon, were tested in healthy dogs and in do gs vaccinated against canine parvovirosis (CPV). A single subcutaneous injection of PA (0.5 mg/kg b. m.) was administered either 10 days bef ore or simultaneously with CPV immunization. The immunomodulating prop erties of PA were expressed by enhancement of phagocytic and bacterici dal activities of blood leukocytes, accompanied by elevated serum leve ls of interferon-gamma and interleukin-1 and higher Con-A-induced tran sformation rates of lymphocytes. Titres of CPV antibodies were signifi cantly (p < 0.01) higher in dogs vaccinated and treated with PA either 10 days prior to or simultaneously with immunization. It is concluded that PA may be applied as a potent and safe adjuvant in vaccination o f small animals and additionally, it provides enhancement of non-speci fic antibacterial and antiviral resistance of the organism.