Abstract
Immunoglobulin M and G immune response to Leucocytozoon caulleryi in chickens were investigated with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In chickens experimentally infected with L. caulleryi, IgM antibodies against schizonts were detected from 10 days after sporozoite inoculation and peaked at 3 weeks following inoculation. Thereafter they decreased and remained at a low level. However, IgG antibodies against schizonts were detected from 14 days after sporozoite inoculation, increased gradually, and reached a high level from 8 to 10 weeks after inoculation. On the other hand, in naturally infected chickens, IgM and IgG antibodies against schizonts were detected with/after detection of protozoa in blood smears. IgM antibodies subsequently decreased and maintained a lower level than that of IgG, although IgG antibodies against schizonts of L. caulleryi persisted at a high level for nearly one year.
