Protection induced in mice vaccinated with recombinant collagen-binding protein (CnBP) and alpha-toxoid against intramammary infection with Staphylococcus aureus

Mice vaccinated with a combination of two Staphylococcus aureus antigens consisting of a recombinant collagen-binding protein (CnBP) and alpha-toxoid (alpha-toxoid) were significantly protected from intramammary challenge infection with S. aureus. The average number of bacteria recovered from the glands of mice vaccinated with the combination of CnBP/alpha-toxoid was significantly lower compared to the average number of bacteria recovered from the glands of mice vaccinated with only CnBP or alpha-toxoid or controls (P< or =0.01). Histopathological examination of mammary glands of mice vaccinated with CnBP together with alpha-toxoid showed no pathological changes, whereas glands of mice vaccinated with CnBP or alpha-toxoid alone developed severe mastitis and showed both focal and disseminated necrosis.