Perinatal priming of calves born to Schistosoma mattheei-infected dams.
The objective of this study was to elucidate whether calves born to infected dams had been primed against Schistosoma mattheei antigens. Infection-confirmed, pregnant cows were randomly selected for monitoring their offspring. Pre-colostral serum was collected from the neonates for the detection of specific antibodies at birth, as they indicate a transplacental transfer of schistosome-specific antibodies and antigen. At the age of approximately 2 months, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of calves were analysed for specific memory by antigen-specific stimulation in vitro. Twenty-six of the 30 calves demonstrated S. mattheei-specific proliferation. All 12 seropositive-born, as well as 14 of the 18 seronegative-born (before colostrum uptake) calves displayed mattheei-specific proliferation. The results indicate that the calves were primed against S. mattheei and might explain why seropositive-born calves from infected dams are better protected against S. mattheei, and query the impermeability of the damaged ruminant placenta with consequences for antigen transfer.
Gabriël
S
S
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
Ververken
C
C
Vercruysse
J
J
Duchateau
L
L
Phiri
I K
IK
Goddeeris
B M
BM
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000662:veterinary*; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012547:Schistosoma / Q000276:immunology*; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth