Cross protection studies - inactivated vaccines

Cross protection may also be obtained after the use of an inactivated vaccine. The following experiment carried out in layer birds vaccinated with a Massachusetts inactivated vaccine and challenged with pathogenic IBV 4/91 illustrates this phenomenon.

Experimental design

Experimental design
Group Primed with IB Inactivated vaccine
Day old 6 weeks 16 weeks
Vaccinated Ma5 4/91 Massachusetts
Controls - - -
  • The birds were bled at 16, 22, 28, 34, 40, 46, 50 and 56 weeks. Data in results shown from 16, 22 and 50 weeks of age.
  • Samples were tested by the VN tests for antibodies against IBV 4/91
  • Protection against IBV 4/91 was assessed by the ciliostasis test (10 birds/group) following challenge of the hens at 56 weeks of age

Results

  1. Antibody titres after vaccination
    antibody titres
  2. Ciliostasis index after challenge( lower average ciliostasis index numbers indicate protection)
    ciliostasis index

Conclusion

  • A good antibody response and a good level of protection against IBV 4/91 can be achieved by a vaccination program based on a live priming with Nobilis IB Ma5 (Massachusetts type) and Nobilis IB 4/91, followed by vaccination with an inactivated vaccine of the Massachusetts type.
  • This program will boost titres throughout the life cycle of the hens not only against Massachusetts but also against IBV 4/91.
  • The results confirm the validity of the concept of cross-protection and emphasise the importance of carefully designing vaccination programs to control new serotypes under field conditions.
Nobilis IB inac