Immunological Studies on Experimental Infection of Pigs with Ascaris suum Goeze, 1782. III.—The Antibody Response and Acquired Immunity

Abstract

Two experiments are described in which antibodies against A. suum were detected in the circulation of infected pigs by means of the conglutinating complement absorption test. The pattern and nature of the antibody response was studied. In 21 out of 24 cases the sera antibody titres rose after test doses of infective eggs were given, and on 18 of these occasions a rise in titre was observed within seven days. Following infection two peaks of antibody were detected. At three to four weeks the antibody content of the serum reached its highest concentration, and a further rise was apparent between the 37th and 56th days.The phenomenon of “self-cure” was demonstrated following reinfection. This was manifested by a depression of the egg count and the elimination of Ascaris worms from the intestine, with a concomitant rise in the antibody content of the serum.In three out of five pigs which were initially infected, the infection became patent between the 51st and 58th days. On only one occasion out of thirteen were any superimposed larvae able to reach maturity.Pigs which had been previously infected exhibited resistance to a challenge dose. This was shown by (1) the absence of clinical signs, (2) a resistance to larval migration, and (3) an inhibition of larval growth. In this demonstration of an active acquired immunity to A. suum infection in pigs, a correlation between resistance and high sera titres was observed.