Passive immunization of piglets against enterotoxigenic colibacillosis by vaccinating dams with K88ac pili bearing bacterins

Abstract

Day-old-piglets were passively immunized by vaccinating the pregnant sows with K88ac enterotoxigenic <i>Escherichia coLi </i>(ETEC) vaccine. High level of ETEC specific antibodies was excreted in colostrum (3733.33 ± 1152.13) and

maintained a detectable level (100.00 ± 0.00) up to 21 day post partum (DPP). The IgG was the predominant immunoglobulin followed by IgA and IgM. Piglets born of vaccinated dam (group A) and unvaccinated dam (group B)

were challenged in 7 day of age. Clinical and faecal scores were significantly (<i>P&lt; </i>0.01) low in group A than that of group B. Piglets of group A developed mild diarrhoea ( 33.33% ), while all the control piglets developed profuse diarrhoea and 3 of these died before 14 day of challenge infection.