The use of chicken antiserum for the identification of avian mycoplasmas by immunofluorescence

Abstract

Antiserum for 12 of the recognised avian mycoplasma species was raised in chickens by giving two intravenous inoculations of a concentrated suspension of live organisms. With the exception of the antiserum prepared against M. iowae strains, all these sera proved to be suitable for use in the indirect fluorescent antibody test in conjunction with a commercial fluorescein-labelled, anti-chicken globulin. For M. iowae a course of four intravenous inoculations produced satisfactory antiserum. The antisera were then used to examine 162 mycoplasma isolates from chickens, turkeys and ducks by indirect immunofluorescence. Organisms representing nine different avian species were identified, and mixtures of two or three species could be detected in several cultures. Fifteen isolates remained untyped. A decline in the titre of all antisera was noted after approximately 12 months storage at -20 degrees C and therefore, for future production of anti-serum, a programme of four intravenous inoculations at weekly intervals would be recommended in order to produce a higher initial titre.