Biomodel for evaluating attenuated Vibrio cholerae strains as human cholera vaccine candidates. Study of toxigenicity, immunogenicity and protection

In many countries, Cholera remains being a problem for human health, since it continues being an epidemic or endemic disease, which affects either children or adults and it is a death cause when cholera cases are not treated. A live oral vaccine against this disease can contribute to control important epidemics, mainly at countries where the sanitary hygienic conditions are not good or drinking water is not available. In this work, bio models were selected and applied for the selection of genetically attenuated Vibrio cholerae strains as vaccine candidates against cholera. Their toxigenicity, immunogenicity and protection were evaluated by means of Ileal Loops, intraduodenal inoculation and RITARD models in F1 (New Zealand x White Semi giant) young adults rabbits weighing from 1.8 to 2.3 kg. The results obtained with the used bio models, show that the Vibrio cholerae genetically attenuated strains are no toxigenic, but are immunogenic and protective. As conclusion, these bio models are available for the evaluation and selection of oral vaccine candidates.