Immune complexes associated with infection of cattle by the herpesvirus of malignant catarrhal fever.

Associated with the fatal lymphoid proliferation induced by the herpesvirus of African malignant catarrhal fever (MCFV) was the deposition of immune complexes comprising immunoglobulin, complement and conglutinin in the kidneys of cattle with terminal pyrexia due to infection with this virus. Such deposits were common in glomeruli and were also seen in renal arteries with an without lesions. Absence of lytic complement and a significant depletion of conglutinin in terminal sera confirmed the activation of complement. However, virus antigen was only rarely detected and virus-specific antibody could not be demonstrated in the deposits. These disparities and the importance of the observations are discussed.