Immunogenicity of polysaccharides from type III, group B Streptococcus.

The immunogenicity and safety of two polysaccharides isolated from type III, group B Streptococcus, were tested in adults selected for existing low concentrations of natural antibody to the capsular polysaccharide of this organism. Both vaccine preparations (trichloroacetic acid and EDTA) were found to lack pyrogenicity and toxicity for experimental animals. A single 50-microgram subcutaneous injection of either polysaccharide in human subjects elicited significant increase in antibody concentration in immunized compared with control individuals receiving phosphate-buffered saline. Antibody responses were maximal by 2 wk and remained at 21 wk after immunization. Vaccine-induced antibody was primarily of the IgG class. Of the two vaccines, the larger molecular size polysaccharide was significantly more immunogenic. Although no systemic reactions were recorded, mild transient local reactions occurred in 45% of vaccinees.