The latest FAD – Faecal antibody detection in cattle. Protocol and results from three UK beef farms naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

Abstract

Antibodies at gastrointestinal mucosal membranes play a vital role in immunological protection against a range of pathogens, including helminths. Gastrointestinal health is central to efficient livestock production, and such infections cause significant losses. Fecal samples were taken from 114 cattle, across three beef farms, with matched blood samples taken from 22 of those animals. To achieve fecal antibody detection, a novel fecal supernatant was extracted. Fecal supernatant and serum samples were then analysed, using adapted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay protocols, for levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG, IgM, and Teladorsagia circumcincta-specific IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE (in the absence of reagents for cattle-specific nematode species). Fecal nematode egg counts were conducted on all fecal samples. Assays performed successfully and showed that IgA was the predominant antibody in fecal samples, whereas IgG was predominant in serum. Total IgA in feces and serum correlated within individuals (0.581, P = 0.005), but other Ig types did not. Results support the hypothesis that the tested protocols are an effective method for the non-invasive assessment of cattle immunology. The method could be used as part of animal health assessments, although further work is required to interpret the relationship between results and levels of infection and immunity.

Prevalence and molecular identification of gastrointestinal nematodes in Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau of China

“…Further, we also found that the parasites of T. circumcincta were the dominant species (28.5%, 121/424) in this region, which is common in sheep and goats in other areas (Costa‐Junior et al., 2021; Hrabok et al., 2006) and also detected in large animals such as cattle, yaks and horses in this study. Up to now, there was a report on T. circumcincta ‐infected cattle, which was a detection of antibodies against the parasite in cattle faeces and serum (no microscopic examination done) (Cooke et al., 2019). One document reported the isolation of the parasite from the small intestine of yaks (L. Han, Zhou, et al., 2017) but no report that the infection case in horses.…”

Lactoferrin quantification in cattle faeces by ELISA

“…Recently, Watt et al (2016) and Cooke et al (2019) both demonstrated that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), designed for use on serum and milk, can be utilised for quantifying anti-parasite antibodies in the faeces of sheep and cattle, through the use of a novel faecal supernatant (Watt et al, 2016;Cooke et al, 2019). This suggests the possibility of quantifying other immunological proteins in faeces.…”

“…The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of quantifying lactoferrin in ruminant faeces using techniques analogous to those presented by Watt et al (2016) and Cooke et al (2019). That is, to assess if lactoferrin can be quantified in the faeces of ruminants by using a commercially feasible ELISA product, designed for serum and milk, with a specialised faecal supernatant.…”

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“…Recently, Watt et al [8] and Cooke et al [9] both demonstrated that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), designed for use on serum and milk, can be utilised for quantifying anti-parasite antibodies in the faeces of sheep and cattle [8,9]. Such techniques can provide valuable insights into the health of livestock, particularly in relation to parasitic diseases and potentially gastrointestinal health in general.…”

“…The purpose of this study is to apply the principles of this common practice in human medicine to veterinary medicine, using techniques analogous to those presented by Watt et al [8] and Cooke et al [9]. That is, to assess if lactoferrin can be quantified in the faeces of ruminants by using ELISA.…”