Influence of route of vaccination on gut immune response against F 4 ac âº

Abstract

Day-old piglets were immunized with inactivated F4 ac⁺ enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) through oral and intraperitoneal (IP) plus oral routes. Animals vaccinated IP followed by oral booster (group B) gained more body weight than the piglets that received repeated oral dosing (group A). In challenge experiment, the clinical and faecal scores were high in group A piglets than that of group B animals. Clinical diarrhoea was developed in 66.6% animals of group A and 50.0% in group B piglets. The results indicated that the day- old piglets vaccinated through IP und oral combined routes conferred more protection against ETEC infection.