Variation and Repeatability of Natural Antibodies Against Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin of Indigenous Chicken of Kenya

Abstract

The immune system is designed to provide protection to the body by combating a plethora of pathogenic micro-organisms. Identifying animals with a natural ability to make superior immune responses reduces disease occurrences, increases farm profit and improves product quality as well as safety. Consequently, there is need to breed disease resistant animals that will eliminate the danger of currently used prevention strategies of drug prophylaxis and vaccination, which are unsafe and ineffective respectively. Many studies aimed at investigating the mechanisms involved in genetic resistance have been done but a standardized biological parameter indicative of disease resistance or susceptibility has become elusive. The objectives of the study were to determine presence and variation of IgA, IgG and IgM among indigenous chicken. Secondly, repeatability within the indigenous chicken over time of IgA, IgM and IgG natural antibody isotypes against Keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Blood samples from 24 indigenous chicken of the same age, genetic background and sex were collected four times within three weeks. IgA, IgM and IgG titer values were measured by indirect ELISA from the sera. A mixed model with repeated measures was performed to determine variation and repeatability. All the immunoglubulins isotypes binding KLH in chicken serum were recorded. There was significant difference between isotypes concentrations, with IgM and IgA being the lowest and highest titre respectively. Repeatability were 0.68, 0.99 and 0.99 for IgM, IgG and IgA respectively. The isotypes were not only detectable and variable in serum of indigenous …