Effect of Porcine Rotavirus Enteritis on Concentrations of Interferon-y, Immunoglobulin-G and Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein-2 and Peripheral Leukocyte Function

The present study describes the effects of porcine rotavirus enteritis on peripheral blood leukocyte function, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin-G (Ig-G) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein-2 (IFABP-2) levels. Rotavirus infection in piglets was diagnosed by detecting rotavirus antigen by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 18 piglets showing the symptoms of diarrhoea with rotavirus infection and 6 healthy piglets of same age group were included in the study. The concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NOx) were measured in peripheral blood leukocytes, and concentration of IFN-γ in serum was estimated to know the status of innate immunity. The IFABP-2 activity and Ig-G concentration were measured in serum as markers for intestinal injury and status of non-specific humoural immunity, respectively. The findings reveal a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in MPO, NOx, IFN-γ and IFABP-2 concentrations and reduction of Ig-G concentration (P < 0.05) in piglets suffering from rotavirus enteritis than healthy piglets. It is concluded that acute enteritis with rotavirus infection is associated with stimulation of peripheral blood leukocyte function, induction of innate immunity, reduction in the level of serum Ig-G and elevation in serum IFABP-2 activity.