Distribution of antibodies to rotavirus in serum and lacteal secretions of naturally infected swine and their suckling pigs.

Rotavirus antibodies were demonstrated in lacteal secretions and sera of 20 parturient sows and in sera of their newborn by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay blocking technique, using bovine rotavirus cell culture antigen and monospecific antibody to bovine rotavirus. Antibodies to rotavirus occur in the 3 immunoglobulin (Ig) classes IgM, IgA, and IgG in lacteal secretions. High and long-persisting antibody activity was mainly associated with the IgA class. The IgM and IgG decreased to undetectable concentrations in most sows during the 14-day investigation period. Serum antibodies of newborn pigs nursing their dams also decreased rapidly during this time. The heterologous enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay blocking technique was a reliable and rapid procedure for the demonstration of rotavirus antibodies.