Δcps1 vaccine protects dogs against experimentally induced coccidioidomycosis. Issue 47 (16th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shubitz, Lisa F.; Robb, Edward J.; Powell, Daniel A.; Bowen, Richard A.; Bosco-Lauth, Angela; Hartwig, Airn; Porter, Stephanie M.; Trinh, Hien; Moale, Hilary; Bielefeldt-Ohmann, Helle; Hoskinson, James; Orbach, Marc J.; Frelinger, Jeffrey A.; Galgiani, John N.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 39:Issue 47(2021)
• Page Start: 6894
• Page End: 6901
• Publication Date: 2021-11-16
• Subjects: Coccidioidomycosis -- Vaccine -- Dogs -- Avirulent -- Fungal; ADL Animal Disease Laboratory, Ft. Collins, CO -- AGID agar gel immunodiffusion -- A/G albumin:globulin -- BSL Biosafety Level -- w/A Animal -- CFU colony-forming units -- CSU Colorado State University -- EIA Enzyme immunoassay -- EU EIA Units -- GYE glucose-yeast extract agar -- SC subcutaneously; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: There is need for a vaccine to prevent coccidioidomycosis in dogs and humans. Δ cps1, an avirulent, live vaccine, appeared safe and well-tolerated in dogs. Prime plus boost provided significant reduction in fungal burden and disease scores. Efficacious and well-tolerated, Δcps1 is targeted for human studies as well. Abstract: Coccidioidomycosis is a significant health problem of dogs and humans in endemic regions, especially California and Arizona in the U.S. Both species would greatly benefit from a vaccine to prevent this disease. A live avirulent vaccine candidate, Δ cps1, was tested for tolerability and efficacy to prevent pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in a canine challenge model. Vaccine injection-site reactions were transient and there were no systemic effects observed. Six of seven vaccine sites tested and all draining lymph nodes were sterile post-vaccination. Following infection with Coccidioides posadasii, strain Silveira, arthroconidia into the lungs, dogs given primary and booster vaccinations had significantly reduced lung fungal burdens (P = 0.0003) and composite disease scores (P = 0.0002) compared to unvaccinated dogs. Dogs vaccinated once had fungal burdens intermediate between those given two doses or none, but disease scores were not significantly different from unvaccinated (P = 0.675). Δ cps1 was well-tolerated in the dogs and it afforded a high level of protection when given as prime and boost. These results drive the Δ cps1 vaccine toward a licensed veterinary vaccine and support continued development of this vaccine to prevent coccidioidomycosis in humans.