Flow cytofluorimetric analysis of lymphocyte subset alterations in cattle infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Clinically normal, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-seronegative, 7 to 9-month-old steers were inoculated intranasally with NY-1, a noncytopathic strain of BVDV, or exposed intramuscularly to killed BVDV. Indirect immunofluorescence staining with monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine leukocyte subsets followed by flow cytometric analysis was used to monitor subsequent hematologic alterations. Infection with BVDV resulted in a transient leukopenia which was characterized by decreases in the absolute numbers of circulating T lymphocytes, including BoT4+ ("helper") and BoT8+ ("cytotoxic/suppressor") subsets, B lymphocytes, and neutrophils. There was no significant variation in numbers of non-T, non-B ("null") lymphocytes or monocytes. Exposure to inactivated BVDV in a combination vaccine did not cause significant alteration in the circulating numbers of any major leukocyte subset; however, significant variation was seen in the BoT4/BoT8 ratios and in the numbers of cells expressing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens.