| abstract |
The antigenicity of vaccines containing antigenic material of microbial origin is enhanced by mixing with the vaccine a salt containing a rare earth cation associated with an immunologically acceptable anion. A concentration between about 2 g. and about 0.008 g. of the rare earth cation is employed per 100 ml. of vaccine. Preferably, an aqueous solution of a water-soluble salt of the rare earth cation is added to the vaccine, but the vaccine may be added to a water-insoluble salt of the rare earth cation. Lanthanum and cerium salts may be used, particularly the acetate. Vaccines specified are Pulpy kidney, Braxy, Blackleg, Braxy-blackleg-pulpy kidney and a seven valent vaccine for diseases of the sheep. The invention also relates to the treatment of diseases in animals due to pathogenic microbes by the parenteral administration of the above vaccines. |