Saponin-based Vaccine Containing Lysozyme Dimer Adjuvant Stimulates Acute Phase Response in Calves.

INTRODUCTION

is known as a causative agent of many disorders in cattle. In Europe, there is still a lack of commercial vaccines against infection. Acute phase response (APR) is a non-specific host reaction to infection, most seen in changes in production of acute phase proteins. The aim of this study was to analyse APR in calves administered with an experimental vaccine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve healthy female calves were divided into two equal groups: experimental and control. The experimental vaccine containing the field strain and two adjuvants such as saponin and lysozyme dimer was subcutaneously administered to the experimental group. Phosphate buffered saline was taken as the placebo and given to the control group by the same route as the vaccine. Blood samples were collected prior to the study (day 0), then daily up to day 7, and then each seven days until day 84 post vaccination. The concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and inteleukin-4 (IL-4) were determined using commercial ELISA kits.

RESULTS

Following the vaccination, a significant increase in SAA, Hp, and IFN-γ concentrations was observed when compared to the unvaccinated calves, whereas the IL-4 concentration was not detectable.

CONCLUSION

The experimental saponin-based vaccine containing lysozyme dimer adjuvant visibly stimulated the APR in the calves, and some specific cytokines (Th1-dependent) directly involved in this response.