Lactogenic immunity to transmissible gastroenteritis virus induced by a subunit immunogen

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus causes significant mortality in young pigs.
• Maternal immunity is crucial for protecting neonatal piglets against enteric diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a TGE virus subunit vaccine in gilts for protecting their offspring.
• To assess the duration of lactogenic immunity conferred by the vaccine.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four gilts were immunized with a TGE virus subunit vaccine prior to farrowing.
• Piglets from vaccinated and control gilts were challenged with the Illinois strain of TGE virus.
• Lactogenic antibody levels and piglet morbidity/mortality were assessed.

Main Results:

• Vaccinated gilts produced specific antibodies in serum and milk.
• Piglets from vaccinated gilts showed significantly reduced morbidity (28%) and mortality (4%) compared to controls (100% and 73%).
• Piglets nursed by a sow vaccinated 10 months prior were not protected, indicating short-duration immunity.

Conclusions:

• TGE virus subunit vaccination of gilts provides short-term lactogenic immunity to piglets.
• Revaccination elicits an anamnestic antibody response, suggesting potential for booster immunization.