Timing of vaccination does not affect antibody response or survival after pneumococcal challenge in splenectomized rats

Martin A. Schreiber, Anthony E. Pusateri, Bruce C. Veit, Rebecca A. Smiley, Chet A. Morrison, Richard A. Harris

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Pneumococcal vaccination after splenectomy for trauma decreases the incidence of overwhelming postsplenectomy infection. The optimal timing of vaccination has not been established. This study was conducted to determine whether timing of vaccination after splenectomy affects antibody response or survival after pneumococcal challenge. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were used for all experiments. Control rats (n = 30) were divided into three equal groups and underwent splenectomy followed by sham vaccination 1, 7, or 42 days after splenectomy. Treated rats (n = 66) were divided into three equal groups and underwent splenectomy followed by vaccination with polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine 1, 7, or 42 days after splenectomy. All rats then underwent intraperitoneal Streptococcus pneumoniae inoculation with the predetermined lethal dose for 50 % of the population 10 days after vaccination. Rats were observed for a 72-hour period after inoculation, and mortality was recorded. Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibody titers were determined before vaccination and before inoculation to determine antibody response. Results: Mortality was greater in the control group than in the treatment group (21 of 30 [70%] vs. 2 of 64 [3%]; p < 0.01). There were no differences in mortality within either the control group (1 day, 6 of 10; 7 days, 7 of 10; 42 days, 8 of 10; p = 0.62) or the treatment group (1 day, 0 of 21; 7 days, 0 of 21; 42 days, 2 of 22; p = 0.14). Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibody responses were greater in vaccinated than in nonvaccinated rats. There was no effect of timing of vaccination on antibody response. Conclusion: Pneumococcal vaccine reduces mortality from postsplenectomy infection. Timing of vaccination after splenectomy does not affect survival from a pneumococcal challenge or antibody response in rats. This study supports the practice of administering vaccine within 24 hours of splenectomy when vaccine cannot be administered before surgery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)692-699
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Overwhelming postsplenectomy infection
  • Pneumococcal vaccination
  • Splenectomy
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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