Protection of Infant Mice against Cholera by Antibodies to Three Antigens of Vibrio cholerae

Some correlation was found between antibody titers measured by in-vitro techniques and protection in infant mice. At least three types of protective antibodies, which corresponded to antilipopolysaccharide, antiprotein, and anticholeragen, were present. Strong cross-protection was evident with the various antisera against Inaba and Ogawa organisms. The antibodies responsible for this cross-protection against serotypes of Vibrio cholerae were shown to be directed against common polysaccharide antigen(s), common protein determinant(s), and enterotoxin. Antibodies present at the site of infection were more effective in protecting infant mice from fatal infection than serum antibodies.