BOVINE ANTIBODY AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS-AGALACTIAE, TYPE-IA, PRODUCED BY PRE-PARTURIENT INTRA-MAMMARY AND SYSTEMIC VACCINATION

Abstract

Pregnant heifers (4) were immunized by the intramammary route with killed or live S. agalactiae vaccine, and a 5th heifer was vaccinated by the i.m. route with killed vaccine. Antibody in the colostrum from vaccinated and nonvaccinated glands was compared. Antibacterial antibody titers of the 4 immunoglobulin [Ig] classes were determined by indirect fluorescent antibody assay. Although the content of IgG1, IgG2 and IgM in the colostrum from the vaccinated glands was not substantially different from the nonvaccinated glands, IgA content was considerably greater in the former. Antibody specific to S. agalactiae was isolated from all colostrum samples. The mouse passive protection test and Ouchterlony analysis were used to demonstrate the presence of type-specific antibody to type Ia strain used for vaccination. The passive mouse protection test also was useful to compare the protective capacity of specific S. agalactiae, type Ia, antibodies of IgG, IgM and IgA. Increased protective capacity of IgM and IgA over IgG1, on a weight basis, was demonstrated. S. agalactiae preparations, when introduced into the mammary gland, can give rise to local antibody synthesis in the vaccinated glands.