Influence of Staphylococcus aureus antibody on experimental endocarditis in rabbits.

To evaluate the potential protective benefit of antibody to whole cells of Staphylococcal aureus for the prevention of endocarditis, the rabbit endocarditis model was used. Methicillin-sensitive (17A) and methicillin-resistant (173) S. aureus strains were evaluated in rabbits with or without indwelling intracardiac catheters. All immunized rabbits developed significant homologous agglutinating antibody titers (the mean reciprocal titers were 15,300 to strain 17A and 1,150 to strain 173). After challenge, virtually no significant differences were observed between immunized and unimmunized animals with respect to (i) incidence of endocarditis, (ii) concentration of bacteria in infected vegetations, (iii) incidence of metastatic renal abscesses, or (iv) concentrations of bacteria in infected kidneys. The clearance of homologous S. aureus strains from blood cultures was similar for immunized and unimmunized animals at 10 to 90 min after intravenous challenge. In vivo adherence of homologous S. aureus strains to aortic valves and vegetations was similar in immunized and unimmunized animals when evaluated at 30 and 90 min postchallenge. Even without catheterization, the incidence of bacteremia and renal abscesses was the same in immunized and unimmunized rabbits. Whole-cell-induced S. aureus antibody did not prevent or modify any stage in the development of endocarditis in rabbits.