Selective indices on non-specific cell-mediated immunity in rabbits immunized with Chlamydophila psittaci

Studies of non-specific immunity in infection or immunization with Chlamydophila (Chl.) Psittaci in static experimental models showed changes in parameters of this immunity. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of non-specific immunity in rabbits immunized with Chl. Psittac.

The study was performed on rabbits, divided into two groups of 10 animals each. The rabbits of the first group were immunized with Chl. Psittaci strain 6BC and those of the second group were control animals. Blood samples were examined 9 times every 7 days. Adherence capacity and ingestion capacity of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells (index of ingestion, percentage of ingestive cells) were determined in the blood. The cidal capacity of PMN cells was determined by evaluating the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium test by cytochemical (spontaneous and stimulated tests) and spectrophotometric techniques. The presence of specific antibodies in the sera was estimated by the complement-fixation technique

Analysis of the results of all the studied parameters of non-specific immunity showed tendencies to decrease or increase. These differences appeared on days 7-14 and lasted to days 42-56 of the experiment. Positive titers of specific antibodies appeared on day 42 after immunization, i.e. 5 weeks after the first changes in the parameters of non-specific immunity.

The alterations noted in the parameters of non-specific immunity may prove useful in determining the condition of a macroorganism in contact with Chl. Psittaci.