Serum neutralization of cytotoxin from Pasteurella haemolytica, serotype 1 and resistance to experimental bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis

Sera from several groups of experimental calves were tested for cytotoxin neutralizing capacity. The relationship between this capability and resistance of the animals to an experimental challenge was examined. All undiluted bovine sera tested, other than fetal bovine serum, neutralized cytotoxin. Preadsorption of selected sera with formalin-killed P. haemolytica did not reduce their neutralizing capacity. Crude IgG fractions extracted from bovine sera retained neutralizing capacity as well. Cytotoxin neutralization titers were determined by serial dilution of sera from cattle which were previously unexposed, naturally exposed, or exposed by vaccination to the organism. Both live and killed vaccines were used. Prior exposure to live organisms resulted in the production of antibodies to both cell surface antigens and cytotoxin, whereas exposure to the killed vaccine resulted in the production of antibodies primarily to cell surface antigens. Resistance to experimental challenge with the organism correlated directly with serum cytotoxin neutralizing titers.