Vaccines for Mycoplasma bovis and methods of use

Abstract

The invention of novel, effective vaccines against Mycoplasma bovis for use in cattle is described. These vaccines demonstrate no undesirable side effects and protect against M. bovis related disease, such as contagious mastitis, respiratory pneumonia, joint infections, keratoconjunctivitis and middle ear infections. The novel vaccines also lessen the effect of M. bovis infections on milk production, weight gain and animal health. Methods of diagnosing, characterizing and treating M. bovis infections as specific biotypes are also disclosed. Vaccine compositions made in accordance with the invention may be either of the attenuated or inactivated variety. Vaccines may also include antigens from other pathogens so as to provide a protective immunogenic response to diseases other than those caused by M. bovis.

1 . A method of inactivating  Mycoplasma bovis  comprising:
 (a) adding a solution of β-propiolactone in water (10%, v/v) to a culture of  Mycoplasma bovis  with constant stirring in the amount of 10 milliliters of β-propiolactone solution per liter of  Mycoplasma bovis  culture to obtain a suspension;   (b) warming the suspension to room temperature and continuously agitating for 24 hours;   (c) concentrating the suspension.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising combining the concentrated suspension with an adjuvant.