Transfer Factor : Immunotherapeutic Potential in typhoid fever

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the experiment described in the present study was to extract and evaluate specific transfer factor from sensitized guinea pigs against typhoid infection and use it as an immunotherapeutic agent .Methods: Guinea pigs sensitized with S.typhi were serving as donors for specific transfer factor (TFs). Normal nonstimulated animals served as controls . Humoral immunity was evaluated by ELISA test . Cell-mediated immunity was evaluated by delayed-type hypersensitivity test and macrophage migration inhibitory test. Rosette test was also evaluated. Dose-dependent study was done. Fractionation of the prepared transfer factor was done using sephadex G-25 column . Results : Guinea pigs were used as a model to study specific transfer factor . Immunity both humoral and cell-mediated were specifically produced. Transfer factor was highly effective in transferring specific immunity to S. typhi . The immunity was dose-dependent . Protection ranged between 10 – 70% . The best time for administration of TF was one day before challenge . Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) expressed as migration indices gave good results. Mean migration index in TFs recipient was 0.3780.008 This is in comparison with 0.9280.013 in control . More than one dose of TFs is required .Conclusion : Transfer factor probably used as immunotherapeutic agent in S. typhi infection . More work has to be done in this subject before giving conclusion .