Immune cell counts and signaling in body fluids of cows vaccinated against Clostridium difficile

摘要

BackgroundNew treatment options are needed to prevent relapses following failed antibiotic therapies of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in humans. The concomitant therapy with an anti-C. difficile IgA containing whey protein concentrate can support the sustainable recovery of CDI patients. For 31 weeks, nine dairy cows were continuously vaccinated with several anti-C. difficile vaccines by certain routes of administration to produce anti-C. difficile IgA enriched milk. The study aimed at finding decisive differences between low responder (LR) and high responder (HR) cows (> 8.0 µg ml⁻¹ total milk C. difficile specific IgA) concerning their immune response to vaccination on cellular and molecular biological levels.