Differential resistance to Staphylococcus aureus challenge in major histocompatibility (B) complex congenic lines.
Ten inbred B-congenic Leghorn lines were challenged with two isolates of Staphylococcus aureus at 3 days and 6 wk of age. Significant differences in mortality were observed among such lines when challenged at 3 days with either S. aureus Isolate P4L (moderately pathogenic) or S. aureus Isolate 3727 (highly pathogenic). Line 331 (B2/B2 genotype) had lower mortality than either Line 004 (B17/B17, chi 2 = 4.13, P < .05) or Line 253 (B18/B18, chi 2 = 4.23, P < .05) challenged with Isolate P4L. The use of a susceptibility index allowed for the detection of additional differences among the various lines challenged by Isolate 3727. Line 336 (BQ/BQ) was more resistant than either Line 335 (B19/B19, P < .01) or Line 330 (B21/B21, P < .01). No significant differences were found among the lines challenged at 6 wk by either isolate. The results provide additional evidence for the importance of the B complex in genetically determined disease resistance, and further demonstrate the usefulness of congenic lines in such investigations.
Cotter
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PF
Biology Department, Framingham State College, Massachusetts 01701.
Taylor
R L
RL
Abplanalp
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H
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D005838:Genotype; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology