Ms. Pashtalia Maikoo

Onderstepoort Biological Products
South Africa

Abstract Title: Formulation and Evaluation of a Combination Vaccine as a Prophylactic Against Clostridial and Bacilli Infections in Livestock

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Livestock diseases caused by Clostridial and Bacilli species pose significant threats to agricultural economies and food security. These pathogens lead to high morbidity and mortality rates in livestock, fueling the need for effective prophylactic measures. This study aims to formulate and evaluate a combination vaccine targeting these pathogens to enhance immunity and reduce outbreaks. A novel combination vaccine was formulated using antigenic components from notorious Clostridial and Bacilli species. The formulation process includes combining 5 monovalent antigens with a single suitable adjuvant. The vaccine was subjected to numerous in vitro and in vivo evaluations, including immunogenicity, safety and efficacy testing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to assess antibody responses and challenge studies to determine protection levels in experimental and target animals. The challenge studies demonstrated appreciable levels of protection against both Clostridial and Bacillus infections. Additionally, no adverse reactions were observed in vaccinated animals, validating safety of the vaccine. Commercially available monovalent vaccines were used for comparison to the combination vaccine, results depicted that the latter provided broader protection with a single administration. The findings highlight the potential of the formulated vaccine as a cost-effective and efficient prophylactic strategy for livestock farmers. By offering protection against multiple pathogens, this combination vaccine can reduce vaccination frequency, improve livestock immunity, and mitigate economic losses associated with these infectious diseases. This study contributes to advancing veterinary vaccine development by offering an effective and scientifically validated approach for the prevention of diseases in livestock.