Correlation between the presence of neutralizing antibodies against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and protection against replication of the virus and development of PCV2-associated disease
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Date
2006-01-30
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Abstract
Background: In a previous study, it was demonstrated that high replication of Porcine circovirus
2 (PCV2) in a gnotobiotic pig was correlated with the absence of PCV2-neutralizing antibodies. The
aim of the present study was to investigate if this correlation could also be found in SPF pigs in
which PMWS was experimentally reproduced and in naturally PMWS-affected pigs.
Results: When looking at the total anti-PCV2 antibody titres, PMWS-affected and healthy animals
seroconverted at the same time point, and titres in PMWS-affected animals were only slightly lower
compared to those in healthy animals. In healthy animals, the evolution of PCV2-neutralizing
antibodies coincided with that of total antibodies. In PMWS-affected animals, neutralizing
antibodies could either not be found (sera from field studies) or were detected in low titres
between 7 and 14 DPI only (sera from experimentally inoculated SPF pigs). Differences were also
found in the evolution of specific antibody isotypes titres against PCV2. In healthy pigs, IgM
antibodies persisted until the end of the study, whereas in PMWS-affected pigs they quickly
decreased or remained present at low titres. The mean titres of other antibody isotypes (IgG1,
IgG2 and IgA), were slightly lower in PMWS-affected pigs compared to their healthy group mates
at the end of each study.
Conclusion: This study describes important differences in the development of the humoral
immune response between pigs that get subclinically infected with PCV2 and pigs that experience
a high level of PCV2-replication which in 3 of 4 experiments led to the development of PMWS.
These observations may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of a PCV2-
infection.
Description
BMC Veterinary Research 2006, Vi. 2:6
Keywords
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), Gnotobiotic pig, Animals