Antibodies to common ovine and bovine C-type virus specific antigen in serum from sheep with spontaneous leukosis and from inoculated animals.

Abstract

C-type virus containing preparations from concanavalin stimulated sheep lymphocyte culture fluids were treated with ether, and used for antigen in immunodiffusion tests. 13 out of 14 sera from sheep with spontaneous lymphatic leukosis showed precipitation reaction with the antigen preparation. 3 out of 33 sera from clinically unsuspect sheep in the same multiple case herd also formed precipitin bands. 3 out of 37 sera from offspring of leukotic ewes, 3 out of 9 sera from sheep, inoculated as newborne lambs with leukotic material, and 1 out of 4 sera from inoculated goats precipitated in the same manner. Immunodiffusion tests with a similar antigen preparation from bovine lymphocyte culture fluid led to strong identical results. 162 sera from sheep out of leukosis free herds did not show precipitation reactions. These findings seem to demonstrate the presence of antibodies to common ether resistent ovine and bovine C-type virus specific antigen. Our investigations show a clear correlation between clinical findings in sheep leukosis, demonstration of C-type particles in lymphocyte cultures, and antibody reactions.