Local immunity in rotaviral infections.

After a short introduction into the mechanisms of nonspecific defence in the intestine, a brief review on specific, local intestinal immunity is given. Results of experiments on local and humoral antibody production carried out in five caesarian-derived, colostrum-deprived calves are presented. In each of the calves, two jejunal fistulas were prepared, and samples from fistulas and faeces were taken for antigen and antibody determinations at intervals for up to 120 days post infection. Antibodies in the jejunum appeared between 3 and 12 days and in faeces 4 to 18 days post infection. Antibodies could be detected in the faeces for 25 to 58 days. Reinfection of these calves after 50 to 70 days p. inf. usually resulted in a secondary response; however, excretion of the virus was not observed after reinfection.