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Cystoisospora suis as the causative agent of neonatal porcine coccidiosis is responsible for economic losses in pig production. Sows transmit significant amounts of C. suis-specific antibodies via milk to their piglets, especially on the first day of life. In this study a possible role of colostral antibodies in the passive immunisation of neonatal piglets against C. suis was investigated.
To investigate the potential of oral immunisation of sows with infectious C. suis oocysts, six sows were infected on study day (SD) -14 (14 days ante partum) with 5 x 20,000 oocysts; six sows remained non-infected. For evaluation of antibody titres (IgG, IgA, IgM against sporozoites and merozoites) in blood and milk, blood samples from the sows were taken on SD -14, -1, 1 (1 day postpartum) and subsequently in weekly intervals till SD 21; milk samples were collected daily in the first lactation week and afterwards in weekly intervals until the end of the study on SD 35. Blood samples from piglets were collected on SD 1, 21 and 35. All piglets were infected on SD 3 with 1000 oocysts. Faecal samples from piglets were collected daily from SD 7 till SD 21 to investigate faecal consistency and parasite shedding.
Piglets suckled by infected sows showed significantly reduced excretion of oocysts, more solid faeces, reduced occurrence of diarrhoea, a significantly longer prepatent period and a later onset of diarrhoea. Superinfected sows had significantly higher antibody titres in blood serum and milk compared to non-infected ones. Piglets from superinfected sows showed significantly higher IgG, IgA and IgM antibody titres after colostrum consumption. Various significant correlations between higher antibody titres and a milder course of disease were found.
In summary, a positive effect of maternal immunisation on the performance of piglets during neonatal porcine isosporosis could be observed. This benefit for the offspring highlights the potential of oral immunisation of sows against C. suis as a possible passive vaccination strategy for new born piglets against this important pathogen.
Schwarz L., Worliczek H.L., Winkler M., Joachim A. Superinfection of sows with Cystoisospora suis ante partum leads to a milder course of cystoisosporosis in suckling piglets. 6th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management. 2014.
