ISSN:
1432-1955
Keywords:
Babesia bovis
;
Complement
;
Immunity
;
Cattle
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The haemolytic activity of serum complement was measured in cattle during acuteBabesia bovis infection. The level fell significantly on day 5 post infection (p.i.) and was not detectable by day 10 p.i. After clinical recovery between days 15 and 20 p.i. haemolytic activity was again detected in serum and gradually returned to the pre-infection level. The components of both classical and alternative pathways were involved in complement depletion and factors such as protease secretion by the parasites, antigenantibody reactions, and the release of haemoglobin were implicated as causes of the decline. The absence of complement activity during the acute phase of the disease may interfere with immune mechanisms at a critical time for the host.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00925365
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