Abstract

Background:
Pasteurella multocida represents a significant pathogen affecting various domestic and feral animals causing substantial economic losses in livestock production worldwide.

Aim:
This study aimed to develop and characterize specific antibodies against Pasteurella multocida through active vaccination in rabbits, with potential applications in vaccine development and diagnostic testing.

Methods:
We employed New Zealand White rabbits in a systematic immunization protocol using heat-inactivated P. multocida adjusted to McFarland 4 concentration. The vaccination schedule implemented a graduated dosing approach, consisting of three weekly administrations, beginning with 0.5 mL in the first week and increasing to 1.0 mL in weeks two and three. Serum samples were collected at weekly intervals and evaluated using the Agar Gel Precipitation Test (AGPT). Initial precipitin lines were detected fourteen days after the first vaccination, with antibody responses reaching their peak by week three.

Results:
The results showed All vaccinated rabbits demonstrated positive AGPT results by the third week, maintaining stable precipitin lines through the six-week study period. The antibodies produced showed consistent specificity against both laboratory reference strains and field isolates of P. multocida.

Conclusion:
This research establishes an effective protocol for generating specific anti-P. multocida antibodies in rabbits, providing valuable resources for the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines against P. multocida infections in livestock.

Key words: Pasteurella multocida; Antibodies, Rabbits; Vaccination; Agar gel precipitation test.