Immunization of mice against Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infections using a live avirulent strain.

In this study, the IgG response of mice injected with two virulent strains and one avirulent Streptococcus suis capsular type 2 strain was compared by Western blotting. The serum from mice immunized against the avirulent strain could recognize most proteins of the various strains tested and similar results were obtained with serum from mice injected with virulent strains. The live avirulent strain was injected twice (days 0 and 10) to groups of five mice, and four virulent strains from different geographical origins were used to challenge the animals. All mice, except one in one group, survived the challenge. These results suggest that a live avirulent strain could be used for immunization of swine, the natural host.