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Bovine neonatal immunology.
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice
|November 6, 2001
Summary
Newborns rely on maternal antibodies and colostrum for protection against pathogens. Failure in passive transfer of these immunoglobulins increases disease risk in neonates, influenced by various environmental and immunological factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Health
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Fetal immune development is largely antigen-independent.
- Neonates are immunonaive at birth, requiring passive immunity.
- Colostrum provides essential maternal immunoglobulins, immune cells, and cytokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the importance of passive immunity in neonates.
- To explore factors influencing disease susceptibility in newborns.
- To understand the role of colostrum's cellular components and cytokines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on neonatal immunology and passive transfer.
- Analysis of factors affecting disease occurrence in neonates.
- Examination of colostrum composition and its immunological components.
Main Results:
- Failure of passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulins elevates disease risk.
- Disease occurrence is multifactorial, involving management, environment, and pathogen characteristics.
- Colostrum contains immune cells and cytokines crucial for neonatal gut immunity.
Conclusions:
- Passive immunity is critical for neonatal protection.
- Neonatal disease risk is determined by a complex interplay of factors.
- The precise biological effects of colostral cytokines on neonates require further investigation.