Infrared thermography used to detect local adverse reactions induced by reproductive vaccine adjuvants in Holstein heifers

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Local adverse reactions following vaccination, often tied to the adjuvant type, can lead to pain, fever, reduced intake, and weight loss. Infrared thermography (IRT), a non-invasive human and veterinary medicine technique, can assess local inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate such reactions induced by reproductive vaccines with different adjuvants, using IRT alongside cardinal signs, rectal temperature, and haptoglobin concentration. Thirty-five Holstein heifers were grouped by vaccine type: Ah (aluminum hydroxide), Ow (oil-in-water), QAD (amphigen and quil A cholesterol and dimethyl-dioctadecyl ammonium bromide adjuvant), and a Control (saline solution). Assessments were made at 0, 6, 24-, 48-, 72-, and 168 hours post-vaccination for both doses, with an interval of 21 days. The local reactions were evaluated using the inflammatory cardinal signs and surface temperature measurement using IRT. The systemic reactions were identified by rectal temperature and the concentration of haptoglobin. A larger proportion of animals exhibiting local reactions based on scores assigned to the cardinal signs was found in the Vaccine QAD group, as well as the rectal temperature and the frequency of heifers with inflammation (Hp ≥2mg/dL). Nevertheless, Vaccine Ow demonstrated higher temperature at the site after the first vaccination dose for the IRT. Therefore, this approach is a valuable tool in classifying responses and local inflammation following vaccination in heifers with reproductive vaccines. Concurrently evaluating systemic manifestations, facilitates the surveillance of adverse reactions, thereby improving the discernment of the extent of systemic and local effects.

Keywords

• Adverse effects
• infrared thermography
• dairy cattle
• Holstein heifers
• inflammation
• infectious diseases
• vaccination