Passing on the right antibodies: Protecting piglets from diarrhea
Tuesday, August 20, 2013 - 07:30
in Health & Medicine
The parasite Cystoisospora suis affects suckling pigs causing severe intestinal problems, such as diarrhoea. Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna (Vetmeduni) have now shown that antibodies against Cystoisospora suis are passed from mother to their piglets via the milk. Surprisingly however, the antibodies do not seem to protect the animals very efficiently. The results are presented in the current issue of the journal Veterinary Parasitology.