HUMORAL IMMUNORESPONSE OF PIGEONS TO ASPERGILLUS-FUMIGATUS ANTIGENS

The aim of this study was to develop an immunological model of avian A spergillosis by studying the humoral response of pigeons to Aspergillu s fumigatus antigens. Immunization was performed by administering week ly injections of A. fumigatus extracts for 70 days (10 weeks). A new b ooster injection was given 270 days (9 months) following the last immu nization. Results showed an early Aspergillus-specific humoral immunor esponse which reached a maximum level at 42-63 days (6-9 weeks) post-i mmunization. Using the ELISA method, it could be observed that A. fumi gatus-specific IgG became elevated in the 2nd week and reached a maxim um titre at 63rd day (9th week). In contrast, A. fumigarus-specific Ig M levels appeared early showing maximum levels at the 2nd week, after which they declined despite the maintenance of antigenic stimulation. Termination of immunization resulted in the decrease of specific humor al immunoresponse with minimal levels of specific antibodies detectabl e 210 days (7 months) later. A booster injection given at 270 days (9 months) induced a very fast Aspergillus-specific IgM and IgG immunores ponse, reaching levels of antibodies similar to those observed during the immunization period.