The protective activity of components of Bordetella pertussis cell walls

A method for the preparation and purification of cell walls from Bordetella pertussis is described. After treatment with a detergent, sodium lauryl sulphate, followed by trypsin, or with four enzymes in succession, the material could induce protection against experimental intracerebral infection in mice. It is non-toxic and contains no histamine-sensitizing factor. Antisera prepared against the cell walls also gave protection. Agar-gel diffusion tests revealed the presence in the cell-wall material of lipopolysaccharide and at least one other component. These substances were apparently species specific. Evidence is also given to show the lack of protective activity in the lipopolysaccharide per se.