Cell-mediated and humoral immune response in swine after vaccination and natural infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Litters of pigs were vaccinated with inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae organisms in Freund's complete adjuvant. The cell-mediated and humoral immune response following vaccination was investigated, and the protective effect of the induced immunity was assayed. The cell-mediated immune response to whole M hyopneumoniae organisms was determined as incorporation of tritiated thymidine, using a microculture system. After vaccination, detectable sensitization of peripheral blood lymphocytes was induced. The inoculations induced considerable antibody titers in the animals. The animals were challenged exposed by natural infection and protective effect of the cell-mediated or humoral response could not be detected.