Authors : A.M. Al-Aalim, H.I. Al-Sadi and N.S. Mechael
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oro-nasal route of immunization of rabbits against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. A local strain of P. aeruginosa that was previously isolated from human infected wounds was used in both preparation of vaccine, immunization and experimental animal infection. Animal infection was assessed using conventional clinical, bacteriological and pathological techniques. Immunized animals showed rapid bacterial clearance in comparison with non-immunized rabbits. Nonimmunized rabbits challenged with P. aeruginosa developed hyperemia of the conjunctiva, edema and suppurative inflammation at 24 h postchallenge. A single peripheral ring infiltrate covered 50-75% of the corneal diameter and 75% of stroma was involved with moderate to severe density. A moderate to severe anterior chamber reaction was seen. These changes increased in severity up to 96 h postchallenge and at this stage almost complete opacity was observed. In comparison, immunized rabbits showed complete or incomplete ring infiltrates at the periphery with moderate densities. Mild to moderate anterior chamber response and some hypopyon were also seen. At 96 h postchallenge, a 50% opacity was seen. These results were substantiated histopathologically. It was concluded that oro-nasal immunization provided moderate protection against P. aeruginosa keratitis in rabbits.
A.M. Al-Aalim, H.I. Al-Sadi and N.S. Mechael, 2012. Evaluation of the Oro-Nasal Immunization Route of Rabbits against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 412-417.