ANTIBODY-RESPONSE PATTERNS IN GOATS EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH MYCOPLASMA-AGALACTIAE

The enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate hu moral immunoresponse to Mycoplasma agalactiae. Four groups of goats we re inoculated via different routes with the microorganism. Serum sampl es were collected at monthly intervals for five successive months. Pea k antibody levels were detected at months 3-4 in the subcutaneously an d orally inoculated groups, while a higher peak since the first month was detected in the intramammary inoculated group. The intravenously i noculated group revealed very slight increases in antibody levels. The best route of inoculation for high and protective antibody levels was the intramammary route.