Abstract
Background & objectives: Group A streptococcal C5a peptidase (SCPA) is a major virulence surface factor. Its highly conserved nature among all tested serotypes of group A streptococci (GAS) as well as animal protection studies make SCPA a prime vaccine candidate. The present study was undertaken to explore the human immunogenicity to SCPA using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Methods: Children (n=72) who had signs and symptoms of acute pharyngitis and had GAS isolated from the throat at initial visit were included. Acute and convalescent sera were collected 4 weeks apart. ELISA was performed using recombinant SCPA peptide as antigen. Results: The mean convalescent anti-SCPA level was twice the level of mean acute anti-SCPA and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There was a rise in convalescent anti-SCPA in all children aged 2-12 yr. Interpretation & conclusion: Our observations confirmed that SCPA was highly immunogenic in children infected with group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Further studies need to be done to characterize the immune response including antibody subclass.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 95-98 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Indian Journal of Medical Research, Supplement |
| Volume | 119 |
| Issue number | MAY |
| State | Published - Aug 12 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- C5a peptidase
- Group A streptococcus
- Humoral immune response
- Vaccine
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)