Immunological aspects of coliform mastitis |
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| Authors: | E J Carroll |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 95616 Davis, CA, USA |
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| Abstract: | Antibodies presumably stimulated by absorption of endotoxin arising from the gut flora (and in coliform mastitis) are present in all cattle blood so far examined. These antibodies do not appear in the mammary gland in appreciable concentrations until considerable growth of invading coliforms has occurred. They probably have limited value in a bactericidal sense but may be very important as opsonins in the phagocytic process. In a negative sense, these antibodies also may be involved in hypersensitivity reactions which may be responsible for some of the clinical signs. Complement is needed for bactericidal antibody activity. Both the classical and shunt pathways of C activation are present in mastitic milk. Dilution experiments suggest that C concentration may be the rate-limiting factor in bactericidal antibody activity.Although lysozyme may function to lyse coliforms, it does not appear to function in killing. This, coupled with its relatively low concentration in the normal gland, probably makes it relatively unimportant in protection. Properdin activity is present in mastitic milk but its importance has not been assessed. Lactoferrin is a functional bacteriostat but its limited activity in normal milk is also probably of limited importance in protecting the lactating gland. Lactoferrin undoubtedly has an important protective function in the involuted gland.There is no evidence so far obtained that vaccination is of benefit in protection of cows against coliform mastitis. Much more research on this aspect is needed. |
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