Abstract
The FimA protein of Streptococcus parasanguis is a virulence factor in the rat model of endocarditis, and immunization with FimA protects rats against homologous bacterial challenge. Because FimA-like proteins are widespread among the oral streptococci, the leading cause of native valve endocarditis, we evaluated the ability of this vaccinogen to protect rats when challenged by other streptococcal species. Here we report that FimA vaccination produced antibodies that cross-reacted with and protected against challenge by the oral streptococci S. mitis, S. mutans, and S. salivarius. FimA thus has promise as a vaccinogen to control infective endocarditis caused by oral streptococci.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 422-425 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Infection and immunity |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases