Inactivated mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and uses therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for making an inactivated vaccine of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by inactivating the bacteria with Thimerosal. The resulting bacterin is mixed with an adjuvant of aluminum hydroxide and DEAE dextran and injected into pigs. The resulting bacterin and adjuvant mixture can also be mixed with other bacteria such as Bordetella and Pasteurella, for further adjuvant effect. Protective immunity against mycoplasmal pneumonia is elicited in swine using these vaccines.

1. A combination vaccine comprising
 a) an immunogenically effective amount of attenuated or  killed  Mycoplasma hypopneumoniae  bacteria, and  
 b) an immunogenically effective amount of at least one other vaccine against a disease of swine.  
 
     
     
       2. The combination vaccine of  claim 1    claim 5 , wherein said other vaccine is selected from the group consisting of  Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida  type A and  Pasteurella multocida  type D. 
     
     
       3. The combination vaccine of  claim 1 , wherein said  Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae  has been freshly isolated or passaged in culture less than 10 times before large scale production. 
     
     
       4. A method for immunizing an animal against a bacterial infection caused by  Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae  comprising administering to said animal an effective amount of the vaccine of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       5. The combination vaccine of  claim 1 , wherein said other vaccine comprises a bacterial vaccine. 
     
     
       6. The combination vaccine of  claim 1 , wherein said other vaccine comprises a viral vaccine.