Effects of immunosuppression on tracheal mucosal responses after infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum in vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination is the most common method used to control infection caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens. However, concurrent immunosuppression may compromise vaccine efficacy. Methods: This study investigated the effect of immunosuppression induced by either chicken anaemia virus (CAV) or infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), administered prior to or following vaccination with the M. gallisepticum live vaccine strain ts-304 (Vaxsafe MG304), on tracheal host responses to subsequent challenge with virulent M. gallisepticum. Tracheal responses were assessed by genome-wide transcriptional profiling in these groups and compared across unvaccinated-unchallenged, unvaccinated..