Serological response of chickens toSalmonella enteritidisinfection

Abstract

SUMMARYFifty-eight sera, from 29 chickens originating from two layer flocks known to be naturally infected withSalmonella enteritidisphage type (PT) 4, were examined for antibodies toS. enteritidis. Using the techniques of immunoblotting and ELISA, antibodies to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ofS. enteritidiswere detected in 43 of 58 sera. Antibodies were of the IgG class and bound to the S. enteritidis LPS antigen 0=12. Bacterial agglutination reactions using whole-cell preparations ofS. enteritidisandS. pullorum, correlated with anti-LPS antibody reactions as detected by immunoblotting and ELISA. A rapid means of screening chicken sera for antibodies to the LPS ofS. enteritidisas an indicator of infection is discussed.