Inactivated and adjuvanted vaccine for the control of the African horse sickness virus serotype 9 infection: evaluation of efficacy in horses and guinea-pig model.

This research examined the efficacy of an inactivated and adjuvanted vaccine to control African horse sickness virus, focusing specifically on serotype 9. Trials were conducted on both horses and guinea pigs, which revealed a promising and durable antibody response over a 12 month period. Horses immunized with this vaccine showed resistance against infection, supporting the use of such medical intervention in disease control efforts.

Background

• The study centres on controlling African horse sickness (AHS), a viral disease afflicting equine creatures (like horses and donkeys), transmitted via Culicoides insects. This disease is endemic in many African countries and might pose a risk to other areas where these carriers exist. Notably, Italy is pointed out as a potential zone of risk.
• A commercial vaccine containing attenuated versions of seven out of nine known AHS serotypes does exist, but it excludes serotypes 5 and 9. The use of live vaccines has long been a topic of debate, thus prompting research into inactivated or recombinant alternatives.

Research Methodology

• The study seeks to resolve some of the challenges confronting AHS research, notably the use of horses for vaccine potency evaluation. Using data from a prior experiment, the researchers concluded that guinea pigs could also serve as a viable alternative in assaying serological responses to AHS serotypes 5 and 9.
• Consequently, the present study analysed the antibody responses of horses and guinea pigs immunised with the inactivated-adjuvanted vaccine formulated with serotype 9 over a 12-month duration.

Findings

• The results showed that immunity in vaccinated horses effectively protected them from AHS infection and disease manifestation. This suggests that an inactivated-adjuvanted vaccine could serve as an effective countermeasure against AHS serotype 9 infections.
• The antibody responses exhibited by horses and guinea pigs were found to be comparably favourable, meaning guinea pigs can serve as viable models for initial testing and evaluation of potential AHS vaccines.