Exogenous pancreatic-like enzymes are recovered in the gut and improve growth of exocrine pancreatic insufficient pigs.

The exocrine pancreatic insufficient (EPI) pigs grow less due to different disturbances in feed digestion, absorption, and retention. Use of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin in pigs may improve feed use and performance in slow-growing pigs. The aim was to study gut recovery and effectiveness of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin supplementation on pig performance. Six male pigs 10 to 12 kg BW underwent pancreatic duct ligation surgery to induce total exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Three cannulas to access the gastrointestinal tract content were installed in stomach, duodenum, and ileum in EPI pigs and in 3 control (healthy) pigs. One month after surgery, enzymes were given before feeding and digesta samples were collected for analyses. The BW of EPI pigs did not increase during 1 mo following surgery (11.7 vs. 11.6 kg BW); however, BW increased after 1 wk of enzyme supplementation (12.1 kg BW). Coefficient of fat and N absorption increased (P < 0.05) in EPI pigs after enzyme supplementation. Activity of amylase, lipase, and protease in chyme samples of EPI pigs was very low compared to controls. In EPI pigs after enzyme supplementation, amylase activity increased from 5.32 to 72.9 units/mL but remained lower than that of healthy pigs (162.7 units/mL). Lipase activity increased from 79.1 to 421.6 units/mL, which was similar to that of controls (507.3 units/mL). Proteolytic activity increased from 7.8 to 69.7 units/mL but still did not reach control pigs (164.3 units/mL). In conclusion, exogenous microbial enzymes mimic endogenous pancreatic enzymes being recovered along the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. These enzymes might be a useful tool to stimulate growth of slower-growing pigs after the weaning period.

Behavioral changes in response to feeding pancreatic-like enzymes to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency pigs.

Behavioral changes during pancreatic enzyme therapy have never been studied. The present study investigated behavioral changes in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) pigs when their feed was supplemented with pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin. A crossover design study was used to test the effect of enzyme supplementation in 2 × 4 EPI pigs that underwent pancreatic duct ligation (PDL). After 40 d of adaptation, the study commenced, comprising 2 control and 2 enzyme feeding periods of 10 d each in sequence. On days 7 and 10 of each experimental period, behavior was monitored for 24 h and feed consumption and BW were recorded. Behavioral observations focused on the pigs' activity-- lying down or passive, or sitting, or standing or active--and were expressed as percentage activity for 24 h. During the adaptation period, BW gain was completely inhibited after PDL whereas for the entire study period, the body weight increased from 10.5 ± 1.1 to 14.0 ± 1.4 kg (P < 0.01). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency pigs were more active when fed the enzymes (21 vs. 18% per 24 h; P < 0.01). Microbial enzyme supplementation not only improved the growth of the EPI pigs but it also increased their activity. This behavior change contradicts the generally accepted norm that satiety evokes by digestion and subsequent nutrients absorption reduces human or animal motility.

The effectiveness of enzymatic replacement therapy measured by turbidimetry and the lipaemic index in exocrine pancreatic insufficient young, growing pigs, fed a high-fat diet.

PURPOSE: Conventionally, the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) involves the consumption of a specific diet as well as the replacement of pancreatic enzymes, the effectiveness of which is usually measured by a classical method of blood analyses of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triglycerides (TG). Dietary supplementation with a pancreatic enzyme preparation (PEP), in conjunction with a high-fat diet, on growth performance, digestibility and absorption (analysed using turbidimetry) of dietary fat in pigs with EPI was investigated. MATERIALS/METHODS: EPI was developed by surgical ligation of the pancreatic duct of six male pigs, 6 weeks of age. The pigs were fed a high fat diet (twice daily). A PEP containing 1800 mg entero-coated pancreatin was included in the high fat meals. Blood, urine and faecal samples were collected. The urine and faeces were analysed for dry matter, crude protein and fat content. The lipaemic index and plasma lipid profiles were assessed. RESULTS: EPI completely stopped growth of the pigs. Treatment with PEP significantly increased (P<0.05) growth and body mass as well as the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. PEP significantly improved the co-efficient of fat absorption, the lipaemic index (measured by turbidimetry methods) and caused significant changes in plasma nonesterified fatty acids and triglyceride concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The short term enzymatic replacement therapy together with a high fat meal has immediate beneficial effects on diet digestibility and on the growth retardation observed in EPI pigs. The turbidimetry method used to measure lipaemic index is a reliable, quick and efficient technique in measuring plasma lipid profiles and thus a good tool for assessing fat absorption.

Exocrine pancreatic secretion in pigs fed sow's milk and milk replacer, and its relationship to growth performance.

The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the effects of sow's milk and 2 milk replacer diets (containing clotting or non-clotting protein sources) on exocrine pancreatic secretion, plasma cholecystokinin, and immunoreactive cationic trypsin in pigs. In addition, the relationship between exocrine pancreatic secretion and growth in milk-fed pigs was studied. In a changeover experiment, 9 chronically catheterized pigs of 6.6 +/- 0.19 kg of BW were studied for 3 wk. Pigs were assigned to each of 3 diets. Exocrine pancreatic secretion was measured from the third to the seventh day on each diet. The protein content and trypsin activity of the pancreatic juice were measured. Blood samples were taken at 10 min before and after milk ingestion and were analyzed for cholecystokinin and immunoreactive cationic trypsin. Pancreatic protein and trypsin secretion did not differ between pigs fed sow's milk and those fed milk replacer, but the volume secreted was less for the pigs fed sow's milk (0.75 vs. 1.03 mL x kg(-1) x h(-1); P < 0.01). A postprandial response to milk intake was not observed. The 2 milk replacer diets did not affect exocrine pancreatic secretion differently. The average exocrine pancreatic secretion (volume, 0.94 mL x kg(-1) x h(-1); protein, 4.28 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1); trypsin, 1.65 U x kg(-1) x h(-1)) was intermediate between literature values for suckling and weaned pigs. Plasma cholecystokinin was elevated (approximately 18 pmol x L(-1)) and showed low correlations with the pancreatic secretion traits. Plasma immunoreactive cationic trypsin was not significantly related to any of the pancreatic secretion traits and should therefore not be used as an indicator for exocrine pancreatic function in milk-fed pigs. Exocrine pancreatic secretion varied substantially among individual pigs (protein, 0.22 to 13.98 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1)). Pancreatic protein and trypsin secretion showed a positive, nonlinear relationship with performance traits. It was concluded that neither specific sow's milk ingredients nor the protein source are responsible for a low pancreatic protein secretion in suckling pigs. Exocrine pancreatic secretion was positively correlated with ADG in pigs at an identical milk intake.

Effect of short chain fatty acids infused intraileally on interdigestive exocrine pancreatic secretions in growing pigs.

The effect of intraileally infused short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and saline as control on the exocrine pancreatic secretions during the interdigestive phase was studied using three 8-weeks-old piglets. Pigs were surgically fitted with a pancreatic duct catheter, re-entrant duodenal T-cannula for collection and subsequent return of pancreatic juice, and with an infusion T-cannula at the distal ileum. Saline as control, 5.0 and 10.0 mm butyrate, 7.5 and 15.0 mm propionate and 85.0 and 170.0 mm acetate were infused at 2 ml/kg body weight (BW) for 30 min into the ileum of overnight fasted piglets via ileal T-cannula. The calculated volume of infusates was administrated in five equal bolus at 6 min intervals over a period of 30 min. The pancreatic juice was collected 60 and 30 min before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the start of infusion. The trypsin (p = 0.07, p > 0.15 respectively) and protein (p > 0.15, p = 0.05 respectively) outputs immediately decreased after the infusion of acetate at the dose of 85.0 and 170.0 mm, respectively, whereas pancreatic juice outflow (p > 0.15) was not significantly affected when compared with levels 30 min before infusion. After the infusion of butyrate at the dose of 5.0 mm, trypsin (p = 0.01) and protein (p = 0.12) outputs increased immediately whereas pancreatic juice outflow was not affected (p > 0.15) in comparison with levels 30 min before infusion. No significant differences were observed after infusion of butyrate at the dose of 10 mm for the pancreatic juice outflow, trypsin and protein outputs when compared with the level before infusion, although these values were numerically lower immediately after the infusion. The pancreatic juice outflow increased (p = 0.03) after the infusion of propionate at the dose of 7.5 mm and decreased (p = 0.005) immediately after the infusion of propionate at the dose of 15.0 mm when compared with the levels 30 min before the infusions. After the infusion of propionate at the dose of 7.5 or 15.0 mm for the output of protein and trypsin, no significant differences (p > 0.15) were observed when compared with levels 30 min before infusion. In summary, the intraileal infusion of SCFA at different doses exerts a short-term and moderate effect on the interdigestive exocrine pancreatic secretions in pigs.

alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) absorption from pig intestine and plasma pharmacokinetics.

To study the absorption, metabolism and kinetics, the AKG (in different concentrations) was administered intravenously, intra-portally, orally and directly into the ileum or duodenum of pigs, chronically fitted with portal and jugular catheters and T-shaped cannula at the duodenum and ileum. Additionally, this study was conducted to determine the influence of low pH, Fe(2+) or/and SO on AKG gut absorption and conversely FeSO(4) and FeSO(4)/AKG on Fe(2+) gut absorption. It is concluded that AKG was significantly better absorbed from the upper small intestine than from the distal sections. Furthermore, low pH, Fe(2+) and/or SO ions enhanced AKG absorption. The AKG administered to the portal vein was rapidly eliminated from the blood (half-life less than 5 min). The short lifetime for AKG is probably dependent on quick metabolism in the enteorcyetes and liver. However, the prolonged half-life can be related to its low AKG blood concentration. The Fe(2+) concentrations in blood increased after FeSO(4) and FeSO(4)/AKG duodenal infusion. The implication of above observations is important for practical application of the AKG in animal and human nutrition as well in medicine.

The role of cholinergic and peptidergic pathways in the regulation of pancreatic exocrine function during postnatal development in pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the parasympathetic (cholinergic and peptidergic) nervous system in the regulation of exocrine pancreas function in piglets during their early postnatal development. The cholinergic and peptidergic regulatory pathways of exocrine pancreatic function were tested by the specific muscarinic receptor blocker 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine-methiodide (4-DAMP) and bombesin, respectively. At the age of 2 weeks, piglets were surgically fitted with a chronic pancreatic duct catheter, a duodenal re-entrant cannula and a jugular vein catheter. The experiments comprised a pre-weaning period, and a post-weaning period that commenced at the beginning of the 5th week of age. Intravenous infusion of 4-DAMP (100 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) reduced the outflow of pancreatic juice, the output of total protein and the activity of trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxyl ester hydrolase and amylase during preprandial and postprandial pancreatic secretion, in both the pre- and post-weaning periods. However, the inhibitory effect of 4-DAMP during postprandial secretion was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in suckling piglets. The infusion of bombesin (10, 100 and 1000 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1)) stimulated exocrine pancreatic secretion in a dose-dependent manner during both the pre- and post-weaning periods. However, the stimulatory effect of 1000 pmol x kg(-1) x h(-1) bombesin on total protein output and the activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin and amylase were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in suckling piglets. In summary, our study showed that cholinergic and peptidergic mechanisms are involved in the regulation of exocrine pancreas function in piglets in both the pre- and post-weaning stages. 4-DAMP had a greater inhibitory effect on exocrine pancreatic secretion in piglets during the pre-weaning period. Thus, these observations suggest that the parasympathetic nervous system plays a dominant role in the functioning of the exocrine pancreas at this time. The action of bombesin suggests that it is a potent secretagogue for the exocrine pancreas in pigs during their postnatal development.

Study of the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA internal spacer of Coxiella burnetii.

The complete 16S-23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of 22 isolates of the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced using an automated laser fluorescent DNA sequencer. The ITS measured 497 base pairs (bp) and encoded isoleucine-tRNA and alanine-tRNA. The comparison of the sequence alignments of the 22 C. burnetii strains revealed very high levels of sequence similitary (> 99%) although they had different geographic origins and phenotypic characteristics. Sequencing of the 16S-23S rDNA ITS of C. burnetii could be utilized for identification of the bacterium but is not applicable to studies of epidemiology, virulence and taxonomy.

Isolation of Coxiella burnetii from bull semen.

Previous observations on the dissemination of Coxiella burnetii between laboratory animals strongly support the hypothesis of venereal transmission. Serum and semen samples, from 57 bulls used for artificial insemination, were assayed for specific C. burnetii phase II antibodies and the presence of the organism respectively. Viable C. burnetii were detected in the semen of seropositive bulls. These findings indicate the possibility of sexual transmission of C. burnetii between cattle and further our knowledge of the epidemiology of the organism. The procedures used for investigations into the source of infection and route of tran-mission should be modified to take these findings into account.

[Detection of endotoxins and enterotoxins of Bacteroides fragilis in culture media]. / Wykrywanie endotoksyny i enterotoksyny Bacteroides fragilis w podlozu hodowlanym.

Four B. fragilis strains were studied one nonenterotoxigenic (NTBF) and three enterotoxigenic (ETBF). Endotoxin and enterotoxin which are released into the culture medium during the growth of strains were detected. Cultures in BHI broth were incubated for 48 hours at 37 degrees C. After 4, 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours of cultivation, samples of bacterial culture were collected and the optical density was measured. Then the samples were centrifuged, supernatants were filtered through 0.45 micron filters and concentrated three times with 5000 D ultrafilters. Prepared samples were kept frozen at 70 degrees C until use. The presence of endotoxin in samples was revealed by means of immunoelectroprecipitation (IEP) and immunoenzymatic test (dot-ELISA). The assays were performed with antibacterial rabbit immune sera. The activity of enterotoxin was detected on a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT 29/C1. The results of the study indicate that endotoxin is released spontaneously by nonenterotoxigenic IPL E 323 strain into the culture medium at the early stages of cultivation. The presence of endotoxin is not demonstrated by means of immunoelectroprecipitation in culture filtrated of ETBF strains. Trace amounts of endotoxin are revealed with dot-ELISA. The activity of enterotoxin is detected after 16 hours of incubation of ETBF strains.

Possible sexual transmission of Q fever among humans.

Direct transmission of Q fever between persons who have been exposed to Coxiella burnetii and their family members has been hypothesized on the basis of the results of serological surveillance. We studied nine shepherds who were employed in Spain during the sheep shearing season. After they returned to Poland, Q fever was detected in these shepherds and their wives. The titers of serum antibodies to phase I C. burnetii antigens ranged from 0 to 64 in patients with Q fever and in their spouses, and the titer of serum antibodies to phase II antigens ranged from 0 to 1.024 in patients and their spouses. Other family members were seronegative for antibodies to C. burnetii. C. burnetii strains were isolated from urine and semen samples obtained from patients with Q fever. Attached bacteria have been detected in spermatozoal cells observed with use of scanning electron microscopy.

Unknown species of rickettsiae isolated from Ixodes ricinus tick in Walcz.

Ticks Ixodes ricinus have been harvested in park down-town Walcz in June 1994. Presence of Borrelia burgdorferi and rickettsiae has been tested with PCR. B. burgdorferi and Coxiella burnetii have not been detected in any tick whereas characteristic for other rickettsiae DNA fragment of gene encoding citrate-synthase has been found. Bacterial strain has been cultured from the tick. Biochemical properties of isolated strain has strongly suggested that these bacteria belong to genus Bartonella (Rochalimaea). Further identification of bacterial DNA with RFLP-PCR (restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR) has shown characteristics of Bartonella bacilliformis species not recognised in Poland until recently.

Epidemics of Q fever in Poland in 1992-1994.

From 1992 till the end of 1994, three epidemics of Q fever among people have been recognised in Poland. In 1992 the outbreak of Q fever was detected at the farm near Jawor in Legnica district. Coxiella burnetii infection was recognized serologically in 25 persons (27 tested). Titres of serum antibodies ranged from 8 to 256. It has been found that cattle were the source of human infection. C. burnetii strain has been isolated from the bull semen. In the same year, Q fever was recognized among 18 workers of the tannery in Myslenice, in Kraków district. Antibodies to C. burnetii, in titres from 8 to 2048, were detected in all 18 persons who had a contract with imported skins of wild animals. Serological tests performed again in 1994 showed that elevated titres of serum antibodies persisted in 10 of 14 persons and 9 of them developed phase I antibodies also. Since 1993 several cases of Q fever have been observed among people living in various regions of the country. Epidemiological investigations have revealed that infected patients are seasonal workers employed during the shearing time in Spain. Specific serum antibodies reached titre 512. The strains of C. burnetii were isolated from urine and semen of 2 patients.

[Use of indirect immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks]. / Zastosowanie odczynu immunofluorescencji posredniej i lancuchowej reakcji polimerazy (PCR) do wykrywania kretków Borrelia burgdorferi w kleszczach.

Material samples from 40 ticks, including 30 Ixodes ricinus and 10 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks were tested for presence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IF) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sensitivity of PCR in terms of minimum detectable number of in vitro cultivated spirochetes was a reproducible amplification when 50 spirochetes were added to the PCR mixture. The assay sensitivity was lower for B. burgdorferi in ticks and it was estimated on minimum 100 bacterial cells. B. burgdorferi DNA (16S rDNA) has been found in 10 I. ricinus ticks. Immunofluorescence has been observed in Immunofluorescence has been observed in 32 samples derived from 22 I. ricinus and 10 D. reticulatus ticks both incubated with immune serum for B. Burgdorferi as well as with normal serum. Our results indicate that due to very low specificity IF is not a usefull method for testing of tick material.

[Ticks as a reservoir of Borrelia burgdorferi and Coxiella burnetii on Polish terrain]. / Kleszcze jako rezerwuar Borrelia burgdorferi i Coxiella burnetii na terenie Polski.

The aim of performed studies was to recognize the distribution of Coxiella burnetii and Borrelia burgdorferi infected ticks in Poland. The 1580 ticks infesting animals and humans were collected in different parts of the country. They belonged to Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Argas reflexus species. Presence of B burgdorferi and C. burnetii DNA in ticks has been sought with polymerase chain reaction test (PCR). B. burgdorferi bacteria have been detected in 12 I. ricinus ticks (0.77%). Infected ticks were collected in Koszalin, Krosno and Suwalki voivodships. C. burnetii bacteria were found in 3 ticks from Kielce and Tarnobrzeg voivodships (0.19%). Obtained results indicate existence of natural reservoirs and vectors of C burnetii and B. burgdorferi in Poland. Since Q fever have not been recognized in central Poland until recently in can suggest diffusion of the C. burnetii reservoir to new regions. Presence of infected ticks in distant regions reflects wide distribution of these microorganisms all over the country.

Coxiella burnetii penetration into the reproductive system of male mice, promoting sexual transmission of infection.

Coxiella burnetii bacteria penetrate different host organs via the bloodstream. In infected mice, bacteremia was observed during the first week of infection: later, bacteria were cultured from the spleens, livers, testes, epididymes, prostate, and semen; bacteriuria developed beginning from the second week of infection. On day 21 of infection, degenerative changes with aggregated macrophages containing bacteria were observed in capillary blood vessels and the surrounding tissues of the adipose envelope of the epididymis. C. burnetii was shed to semen from the urogenital tract, probably from an abscess in the epididymis. There they were bound to the surface of spermatozoal cells, mainly to their heads, suggesting specific adhesion. Bacteria shed to semen were transmitted to female mice by sexual contact; this was demonstrated by the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii antigens in the blood of females and later by the cultivation of bacteria from the spleens, livers, and amniotic fluids of female mice.

[Serologic evaluation of occurrence in Poland of Lyme disease caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi]. / Serologiczna ocena wystepowania w Polsce choroby z Lyme wywolanej zakazeniem Borrelia burgdorferi.

The material consisted of 125 samples of blood serum and 26 samples of cerebrospinal fluid derived from 120 patients suspected of Lyme disease (infection with Borrelia burgdorferi) and 61 samples of serum from healthy persons (blood donors). Investigations were carried on by indirect immunofluorescence test from April 1992 to May 1993. Antibodies against antigens of Borrelia burgdorferi in blood serum and in titer of 160 were detected in only two blood donors (3.3%). When testing group of patients suspected of Lyme disease, antibodies were detected in serum of 20 persons and in cerebrospinal fluid of 6 patients. Titers of antibodies in serum varied from 160 to 640 and in cerebrospinal fluid from 8 to 32. Patients in whom significant levels of antibodies were detected were investigated because of occurrence of erythema migrans, joint pain and inflammation of vessels of the eyeball. They were hospitalized in neurological wards with various symptoms in central and peripheral nervous system. These studies indicate that in Poland occur both cases of fresh (erythema migrans) and chronic (neuro-borreliosis) infections with Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme borreliosis, Lyme disease).

[Dependence between penetration route and course of infection with Coxiella burnetii in mice]. / Zaleznosc miedzy droga wnikniecia a przebiegiem zakazenia Coxiella burnetii u myszy.

This study was aimed at investigation of course of Coxiella burnetii infection in mice infected by these bacteria by different routes. The animals infected intranasally, perorally, intraperitoneally and intravaginally by suspension of C. burnetii cells. Mice were also infected via peritoneal and intravaginal route with spermatozoa derived from infected males. In all animals at the same time specific antibodies against phase I and phase II antigens of C. burnetii belonging to IgG and IgM classes of similar titers appeared and this was detected by dot-blot immunoenzymatic test. Independently of route of infection C. burnetii were present in the liver, spleen, testicles, prostate and spermatozoa of tested animals. The bacteria were detected in these organs for 18 days of infection, in the blood for 7 days only, whereas in urine they appeared as late as 14 days after infection. The course of infection with C. burnetii in mice in thus similar regardless of site of bacterial penetration. Infection with C. burnetii may be also transmitted by a sexual route from male to female animals. Infection of female mice occurs both after intravaginal application of live suspension of C. burnetii or spermatozoa derived from infected males.

Influence of Coxiella burnetii infection of male mice on their offspring.

The dramatic spread of Q fever in Poland among cattle kept in isolation from natural environment (ticks, wild animals) has suggested the possibility that the infection may also be transmitted sexually. To test this hypothesis series of experiments have been performed in controlled laboratory conditions. Male mice infected with C. burnetii were allowed to mate with healthy female mice. On day 18 of pregnancy serum IgM antibodies to C. burnetii antigens and bacteria in spleen, liver and placenta were detected. The influence of C. burnetii transmission between parents of their offspring was investigated. It has been found that C. burnetii infection in males diminish the number of fertilized females. Their litters are fewer in number and the number of dead embryos is increased.

[Evaluation of the sensitivity of selected serological tests and activity of Coxiella burnetii antigens in the diagnosis of Q fever]. / Ocena czulosci wybranych testów serologicznych i aktywnosci antygenów Coxiella burnetii w diagnostyce goraczki Q.

Sensitivity of three serological tests: indirect immunofluorescence assay (If), complement fixation test (CF), and microagglutination test (MA) was evaluated. Sera (118 samples) of humans suspected of C. burnetii infection were tested. Phase II antibodies were detected in 68.6% of sera and phase I antibodies--in 38.2% of sera. Among seropositive to phase II antigen--93.8% of sera reacted in IF, 62.9% in MA, and 32.1% in CF; among seropositive to phase I antigens--100% of samples reacted in IF, 2.6% in MA and 2.6% in CF. Calculated sensitivity of above tests was as followed: IF-93.8%, MA-67.1%, CF-34.2%. Some human sera (6.1%) reacted with hen egg antigens in CF. Reactivity of diagnostic antigens prepared from reference Henzerling strain and four others isolated in Poland with rabbit immune sera and sera of individuals suspected of C. burnetii infection in IF was compared. Generally, the immune sera reacted in highest titres with homologous antigens derived from homologous strains. Human sera showed differentiated activity to particular antigens. The titres of phase I antibodies fluctuated from 0 to 16 depending on the antigen applied. Because of that fact diagnostic antigens should be prepared from the mixture of reference strains and isolates from a region under study.