The Immunoenhancing properties of living Rhizobium

Abstract

This study was designed to shed some light on the influence of living Rhizobium meliloti (nonpathogenic bacteria) on the immune system of mature mice.Thirty male mice, 6-8 weeks old, 19-22gm weight divided into two groups, test group (n.=20), orallyadministrated with 100μl (4x106 CFU/ml normal saline) for 12successive days, at the same time androut control group (n.=10) received 100 μl of sterile normal saline.Tests for immunomodulation effects of this bacteria were applied after immunization of both groupswith 0.2ml, (10% sheep red blood cells) interaperitonialy on day 4 and 8 of scheduale. Arthus reaction,delayed type hypersensitivity, E-rosette forming test, serum antibody level, phagocytosis index andnitro blue tetrazolium reduction were assessed on day 11 and 12 of program, mean while effect of thebacteria on the body weight of each group were studied.Interestingly, this non-pathogenic living bacteria showed immunopotentiating activities inexperimental animals reflected by these in vivo & in vitro assays.