CHARACTERIZATION OF PROTECTIVE ANTIBODIES PRODUCED IN MICE INFECTED WITH BORRELIA DUTTONII

Abstract

Passive transfer of serum from mice infected with Borrelia duttonii showed conspicuous protection of normal mice against challenge with the pathogen. The effective principle in the serum was found in the γ-globulin fraction. On the 4th day of infection, the protective activity was detected in the 19S globulin fraction, whereas on the 30th day, mainly in the 7S globulin fraction. The circulating antibodies formed at the crisis of the disease appeared to play an important role in the disappearance of the pathogen from the circulation.