CBPP T144/T1SR vaccine induced immune response in vaccinated cattle

Abstract

The Gambia experienced a sudden epidemic outbreak of Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle in August 2012 after its last reported cases in 1971. The objective of this study was to monitor the immunological response in terms of antibody detection in vaccinated cattle against CBPP using freeze-dried live attenuated T144 or T1SR strains.

Blood samples were collected from 136 cattle 2 days before vaccination, 135 cattle 2 weeks post vaccination, and 114 cattle at 3 months post-vaccination. The extracted serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides Small Colony variant (MmmSC) using IDEXX Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia enzyme immunoassay Antibody Test Kit.

Results show that the proportion of cattle with detectable antibodies against CBPP antigens were 15% (9 – 22%), 67% (59 – 75%), and 28% (20 – 37%) at 2 days before vaccination, 2 weeks post vaccination, and 3 months post vaccination, respectively. The proportion of animals with detectable antibodies postvaccination
was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than pre-vaccination stage. The seroprevalence of CBPP in the monitored cattle before vaccination was 15% (9 – 22%).

Based on the results obtained, it could be concluded that the vaccinated animals have responded well to the vaccination. Assuming that CBPP vaccine efficacy could be associated to detection of antibodies 2 weeks post-vaccination, then this vaccine’s efficacy could be in the range of 59 - 75%. In order to prolong the protection of vaccinated animals, it is recommended that animals should be re-vaccinated 12 months post-vaccination. A longer and more robust longitudinal study involving more animals should be undertaken to determine CBPP vaccine efficacy under local conditions.

Keywords: Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, cattle, ELISA, The Gambia