Production of anti-Mycoplasma (PPLO) antibodies in rabbits

SummaryThe antibody response is usually not great when rabbits are injected IV with PPLO or injected IM with the PPLO mixed with adjuvant. The response is better if a primary IM injection of the organisms with adjuvant is followed in a few weeks by one or more IV injections of the organisms. The production of agglutinins is greater following the injection of small amounts of organisms with adjuvant into the hind foot pads and often the response is very good within a period of 7 days. Growth-inhibiting properties have appeared in the sera in a period as short as 14 days following FP injection. Due to the difference in response to FP and IM injections of antigen, injections by both routes may be made at the same time and thus obtain both immediate and prolonged antibody production and sera of higher titer than by either route singly. Intracorneal injection offers a route by which it is possible to obtain a good antigenic stimulus without the use of an adjuvant. Otherwise it appears that the use of an adjuva...