Dynamics and longevity of maternally-acquired antibodies to Taenia solium in piglets born to naturally infected sows

This study was designed to investigate the longevity of maternally-acquired specific antibody (Ab) isotypes in piglets born to sows with Taenia solium cysticercosis. Four isotypes of anti-cysticercal immunoglobulins (IgGtotal, IgG1, IgG2 and IgA), were assessed in sows naturally infected with T. solium (n = 5) and their piglets (5/sow). Specific IgG2 and IgA responses were not detected in piglets at any sampling point. However, IgGtotal and IgG1 responses were detectable in sera from piglets from day 0 but not at 2 months of age. Antibody profiles differed significantly over time between littermates and between piglets from different sows. These findings raise important questions as to the optimal timing of mass vaccination of piglets as a method of controlling cysticercosis in humans. The observed variations in the level of maternally-acquired Abs amongst piglets will pose a major challenge to the implementation of vaccination programmes against T. solium cysticercosis.