| Abstract: | Resistance of mice to Listeria monocytogenes was shown to be enhanced by pretreatment with either intact or delipidated whole cells of a new species of aerobic corynebacteria, designated as Corynebacterium catarrhalis, as well as with fractions isolated therefrom. Both whole cells and a particulate fraction (CBAp40) proved to be effective when given intravenously, whereas a water-soluble fraction (CBA-LS) was not. In contrast, CBA-LS, as well as CBAp40 and whole cells were found to be effective when given subcutaneously as far as they had previously been adsorbed onto a gel of either calcium phosphate or aluminum hydroxide. Furthermore, pretreatment of mice with either of the mineral gels in the absence of the products failed to confer protection on them to the challenge with L. monocytogenes. It is suggested that C. catarrhalis or products derived therefrom could be used as agents for enhancing resistance to infections of immuno-compromised individuals. |
