Retrospective allergy diagnosis of lysteriosis and lysteria carrying in animals

Abstract

Experimental infections of guinea pigs and rabbits with a sublethal dose of L. monocytogenes pathogen caused an allergic reaction in the form of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTHS), which was detected by an intradermal allergy test with a Listeriose allergen. The status of DTHS in guinea pigs and rabbits was recorded for a longer time as compared to specific antibodies. A positive allergic reaction correlated with listeria, which was confirmed by the isolation of a Listeria culture 6 months after infection of rabbits with a virulent Listeria strain. The research findings showed that an intradermal allergy test with a developed Listeria allergen allows a retrospective diagnosis of Listeriosis and Listeria carrying. A specific feature of Listeria allergen was established through an intradermal provocative test in animals sensitized by heterogeneous microorganisms (Salmonella and E. coli).