It has been shown previously that antibiotics can influence the immune system. In the present study the effects of chemotherapy with amoxicillin (AMX), ceftiofur (CEF), doxycycline (DOXY), tiamulin (TIAM) and tulathromycin (TUL) on the postvaccinal immune response after vaccination of pigs against erysipelas with inactivated vaccine were studied. The present study was focused on the interactions between antibiotics and humoral immunity. Vaccination is the most common tool used for the prevention of swine erysipelas and humoral immunity is considered as the most important in the protection against swine erysipelas.
One hundred and five pigs, divided into seven groups (n=15) were used. Pigs from groups AMX, CEF, DOXY, TIAM, and TUL received antibiotics in therapeutic doses. Pigs from AMX, CEF, DOXY, TIAM, TUL, and control vaccinated (CV) groups were vaccinated against erysipelas (Ruvax, Merial). Animals from the control group (C) were not treated and not vaccinated. Blood samples were taken from the pigs every 14 days and the specific antibodies to the Erysipelothrix rhusiopathie were examined using the ELISA assay.
In pigs treated with DOXY, CEF and TIAM the significant reduction regarding the ELISA score as well as percentage of positive pigs was observed after vaccination. In contrast, vaccination in the presence of AMX or TUL leaded to enhancement of antibody production.
The results indicate that vaccination of pigs against erysipelas during antibiotic treatment may result in a decrease (CEF, DOXY, TIAM) or enhancement (AMX, TUL) of the production of specific antibodies. Further studies concerning the effects of these antibiotics in pigs given different vaccines, are required to determine whether the data from this study can be applied to other vaccinations. Studies are also required to evaluate the protection against erysipelas after vaccination in the presence of antibiotics.
*This work was supported by The National Science Centre (DEC-2012/05/B/NZ7/03114)