Effect of different cell fractions of Mycobacterium avium and vaccination regimens on Mycobacterium avium infection.

Abstract

Because of the availability of uniform genetic stocks and the ability to modulate stress levels, chickens were investigated as a host for the development of an antimycobacterial vaccine. The imposition and the timing of stress significantly influenced the outcome of Mycobacterium avium infection in chickens. Simple, whole cell or lysate vaccines and combinations of vaccine preparations were identified that led to high levels of protection. In addition, short-term stress at the time of vaccination significantly increased the protective efficacy of M. avium vaccine preparations. Post-infection vaccination of M. avium-infected chickens was also shown to significantly reduce the number of lesions and colony counts.