Vaccination with Streptococcus uberis Adhesion Molecule Induces Isotypic Antibody Responses in Bovine Serum and Colostrum

Abstract

Despite implementation of mastitis control practices that have significantly reduced the incidence of contagious mastitis, recent studies have shown that as the prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens decreased, the incidence of environmental mastitis pathogens increased. Streptococcus uberis is one of the most commonly isolated environmental pathogens, infecting mammary glands when conditions are favorable. During the last decade, our research efforts have concentrated on understanding the mechanisms utilized by S. uberis to invade the mammary gland. Using in vitro models we have identified and partially characterized S. uberis adhesion molecule (SUAM). We demonstrated that SUAM was involved in adherence to, internalization into, and persistence of S. uberis in bovine mammary epithelial cells and may be an excellent target for vaccine development. The objective of this study was to evaluate isotypic antibody responses of cattle vaccinated with recombinant SUAM (rSUAM) in serum and colostrum.