[Comparative incidence of detection of specific antibodies to Yersinia pestis capsular antigen and lipopolysaccharide in humans immunized with pest vaccine].

Two to 8 years after vaccination, specific antibodies to capsular antigen (F1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are found in the blood sera of but 10 to 20% of subjects 1-4 times epicutaneously immunized with live antipest vaccine. Only regular continuous (for at least 7-15 years) antipest vaccination leads to the production of antibodies to the main antigens of Yersinia pestis, detectable in remote periods in 75.9 +/- 4.5% of vaccinees. It is noteworthy that the number of positive responses and titer of antibodies to LPS is appreciably higher than to F1. Detection of antibodies to Y. pestis is recommended for the retrospective diagnosis of pestis in both humans and animals in natural foci of this infection. Competitive enzyme immunoassay on nitrocellulose membranes with monoclonal antibodies is to be preferred for the purpose.