The specific immunoglobulin response in cattle immunized with Theileria parva (Muguga) stabilate.

Immunoglobulin synthesis in response to experimental infection of cattle with Theileria parva (Muguga) was studied by Sephadex G 200 chromatography. Serum samples were collected for 88 days following inoculation. Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), complement fixation (CF), indirect haemagglutination (IHA) and immunodiffusion (ID) tests were used to detect activity against T. parva piroplasm antigen. There was a small and transient IgM response in the IFA test, thereafter all IFA activity was 7S Ig. A sequential production of IgM and 7S Ig CF antibodies was demonstrated. In all sera tested only IgM activity was demonstrated by the IHA test. These results are compared with those from similar studies with T. parva and other protozoan diseases, especially in the differential immunoglobulin response shown by the contrasting results from the three serological tests.