survey on delayed hypersensitivity in the sheep immunized against theileriosis

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the response of delayed hypersensitivity in the sheep immunized against theileriosis, 80 sheep in 3 experimental groups and 3 control groups were inoculated [i. d.], in the lateral neck area with normal and 1/10 normal theilerine. The response to the theilerine, as appearance of nodule and thickening of skin at the site of inoculation, was observed and measured after 72 hours. From the vaccinated sheep, 71.42% and the recovered sheep, 80.0% showed positive reaction against theilerine, revealing 1 mm or more of thickening skin. This research resulted in understanding that firstly, dermal test can be useful for evaluation of immunity in the vaccinated animals. Secondly, the better reaction in the recovered animals could be due to the role played by the antigens of the piroplasmic form of the Theileria, in delayed hypersensitivity response