A protein of group B streptococci (GBS), named Sip for surface immunogenic protein, which is distinct from previously described surface proteins, was identified after immunological screening of a genomic library. Immunoblots using a Sip-specific monoclonal antibody indicated that a protein band with an approximate molecular mass of 53 kDa which did not vary in size was present in every GBS strain tested. The data presented in this study suggest that this highly conserved protein induces cross-protective immunity against GBS infections and emphasize its potential as a universal vaccine candidate.

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Nasal immunization was studied to determine if it could elicit an immune response capable of preventing vaginal colonization by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or of reducing its duration in the estradiol-treated mouse model. Nasal administration of gonococcal outer membrane (OM) preparations induced the development of systemic and vaginal immune responses that were directed mainly against a limited number of gonococcal OM proteins. The impact of nasal immunization on vaginal colonization by N. gonorrhoeae was evaluated by use of an experimental model, in which mice were treated with estradiol to prolong the infection. Bacterial clearance was significantly faster for mice immunized intranasally with N. gonorrhoeae OM preparations (4.0+/-2.5 days) than for control mice (8.5+/-4.3 days). The estradiol-treated mouse model may serve as a useful tool for the evaluation of potential gonococcal vaccine candidates.

HLA antibody formation was studied in 212 patients undergoing open-heart surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass in relation to the following variables: sex, obstetric history, transfusion history, quantity and nature of blood products transfused, type of oxygenator used, duration of bypass, and time of assay. Postoperative alloimmunization was seen in 33.6 percent of males and 64.3 percent of females. Previous pregnancy seemed to favor the development of antibody. No statistically significant correlation was noted between alloimmunization and the amount of blood products transfused. The best time for assay was day eight following surgery.