




































In ternationa l
Scholars
Journa ls

 

African Journal of Pig Farming ISSN 2375-0731 Vol. 3 (12), pp. 001-004, December, 2015. Available online at 
www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals 

 

Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. 

 

Full Length Research Paper 

 

Passive and active immunity against parvovirus 
infection in piglets 

 
Nenad Stojanac*, Mladen Gagrčin, Ognjen Stevančević, Ivan Stančić and 

Aleksandar Potkonjak 

 
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Serbia. 

 
Accepted 23 March, 2015 

 
The aim of this study was to come to a closer understanding of the origination, dynamics of movement and 
cessation of colostral immunity to parvovirus infection in swine (PPV) on the basis of an analysis of antibody 
titres in the blood serum of piglets in their first 6 months. On the third day of life in the blood serum of newborn 
piglets, an average antibody titer of 13.37 was recorded. An antibody level of 13.30 was maintained until the 

10
th

 day of life, when it started to decline to 12.02 on the seventeenth and to 11.80 on the twenty-fourth day of 

life. A seronegative result was ascertained on the 38
th

 and 45
th

 day of life (8.40 and 5.48). On the 55
th

 day of life, 

the titer increased to 10.86 and slowly continued to rise to 11.61 on the 180
th

 day of life. Because negative 
results are the sign of a complete catabolism of colostral antibodies whose absorption was completed in the 

first 2 to 3 days of life, the antibodies recorded on the 55
th

 day are to be considered as a result of active 

immunological reaction formed between 31
st

 and 55
th

 day of life. The research was done on 60 piglets 
descending from vaccinated mothers and it was expected of the piglets to obtain enough immunity through 
colostrum which would protect them against PPV infection until they developed their own immunological 
response. On the basis of the given results, we conclude that colostral immunity to parvovirus infection in 
swine lasts for about one month and that antibodies found in the blood serum of piglets after the first month of 
life are a result of the activation of the immune system. 

 
Key words: Porcine parvovirus, colostral immunity, reproductive efficiency, antibody. 

 
INTRODUCTION 

 
Porcine parvovirus (PPV) infection is widely spread in 
swine around the world and has an enzootic character. 
The virus attacks swine at all ages and the most 
endangered categories are gilts before insemination due 
to the disappearance of passive immunity and of ina-
dequately developed active immunity (Mengeling, 2006). 
Parvovirus infection is constantly present in Serbia, 
especially in herds of clinically healthy swine in intensive 
breeding in the form of a persistent and in-apparent 
infection (Došen et al., 2000). Porcine parvovirus 
infection lowers reproductive efficiency which puts into 
question the continuity, amount, and feasibility of pig 
production in Serbia. Literature duly suggests the 
importance of the diagnosis of swine infection caused by  
 
 

 
*Corresponding author. E-mail: stojanac.n@gmail.com. Tel: 
+381638526510. 

 
 
 

 
parvovirus and the implementation of immunoprevention 
in order to inhibit its spread (Antonis et al., 2006; 
Oravainen et al., 2006).  

For these reasons, etiology, pathogenesis, and the 
route of the transmission of parvovirus infection in swine 
have been studied by many authors (Clark, 1996; 
Mengeling et al., 2000; Rogan et al., 2002), with special 
emphasis on the investigation of a protective character of 
immunity achieved with seropositive and persistently 
infected swine without the clinical manifestation of the 
symptoms of the disease after vaccination with inactive 
vaccine against parvovirus, and the persistency of 
specific maternal antibodies in their piglets. Newborn 
piglets are not protected against parvovirus infection 
because the specific maternal antibodies are only 
absorbed through colostrum in the first hours of life 
(Dividich, 2007).  

Colostrum is the only source of antibodies for piglets 
(Damm et al., 2002; Rooke et al., 2003), because many 



 
 
 

 

of the layered structures of the placenta do not allow 
transplacental transmission of antibodies against parvo-
virus from mother onto fetus, whereas pathogenic agents 
easily pass the placenta. The aim of this research was to 
follow immunity formation (active and passive) in piglets 
from the day they were born up until they were 6 months 
old. Having in mind the data given by many authors that 
colostral immunity with parvoviral infections may last up 
to 5 months (Mengeling et al., 1999; Fenati et al., 2009), 
the main postulate about this type of immunity is a natural 
passive immunity whose effectors are synthesized in 
another organism of the same species. The carriers of 
this immunity are immunoglobulins of class G (IgG). Half 
life of these immunoglobulins is 15 days, which results in 
colostral immunity lasting for about 30 days, regardless of 
their concentration in colostrum itself. Hence, we thought 
that the reasons for finding antibodies in blood serum of 5 
months old piglets have to be searched for elsewhere. On 
the basis of this, it was decided to study the onset, 
dynamics of movement and ending of colostrum immunity 
in pigs. 
 

 
MATERIALS AND METHODS 
 
Experimental animals 

 
The experiment was performed on a pig farm, with a capacity of 
2500 sows, with an intensive way of keeping the pigs infected with 
PPV enclosed. The experiment was performed on 60 piglets 
originating from mothers (5 gilts and 5 sows) of the breeds Swedish 
Landras hybrid (F1), Large Yorkshire, and Swedish Landrace. All 
experimental animals were clinically healthy and in good condition. 
From every mother, six piglets were randomly chosen for 
monitoring of the onset, development and length of passive and 
active immunity to parvovirus infection. During the experiment, a 
few piglets died, so the number of researched piglets dropped in 
time. All the piglets had tags on their ears and a tattooed number.  

Blood sampling was performed on day 0, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 
45, 55, 65, 100, 130 and 180 of life. Blood was taken by the 
puncture of the brachiocephalic plexus of the piglets. 
 

 
Immunization of mothers 

 
A regular vaccination against PPV infection of all the mothers was 
performed on the farm. Sows were vaccinated with inactivated 
monovalent vaccine against swine parvovirus according to the 
manufacturer’s instructions (Intervet, Holland) two weeks before 
insemination, while gilts were vaccinated twice, 8 and 2 weeks prior 
to insemination. The vaccine had inactivated swine parvovirus, 
subtype 014, which was diluted in water adjuvance. The vaccine 
was applied in 2 ml dosages, deeply intramuscularly, behind the 
ear. Two milliliter dosage contained >2560 HA units. 
 

 
Determination of the presence of antibodies 

 
Antibodies against parvovirus were detected with a HI test (Ašanin 
et al., 2006), with slight modifications: only guinea pig erythrocytes 
and V-bottom microplates were used and no bovine serum albumin 
was used for a clearer end-point. Animals were considered to have 

 
 
 
 

 
low antibody levels when HI titres were ≤1:512. Titres >1:512 were 
considered high. The Scientific Veterinary Institute, Novi Sad 
diagnostic guidelines for PPV viruses, based on evaluations of 
vaccinated animals and field cases, are as follows: antibody titres 
≤1:8 indicate that the animal has not seroconverted, 1:16 to 1:512 
indicate intermediate seroconversion, and titres beyond this 
represent a high level of antibodies. 

 

Statistical analyses 
 
During the processing of the results, antibody values characteristic of 

PPV were calculated on logarithm values - log2. After log2 results, titres 

≤1:512, were considered negative and were given 0, log2 titre 1:512 

was 9, 1:1024 was 10, 1:2048 was 11, 1:4096 was 12,  
1:8192 was 13 and 1:16384 was 14. After processing the results, 
and on the basis of referent values administered by accredited 
laboratories for testing, the obtained antibody titer results 
characteristic for PPV in blood serum of examined animals with the 
value less than 9, were considered as seronegative results. For the 
evaluation of the results, statistical methods were used: average 
and interval variation. Data handling was done in Excel 2007. The 
results were transformed to logarithmic values with the base 
logarithm 2 (log2). 
 

 

RESULTS 

 

The obtained results showed titre values of characteristic 
antibodies for PPV and represent the diluting of the 
serum where antibodies were detected, so, there is no 
unit in which they could be measured. The obtained 
results of the diluting were transformed into logarithmic 

values (log2). Table 1 shows the levels of antibodies 

specific for PPV in blood serum of newborn piglets. 
Before the uptake of colostrum, antibodies were not 
found in any piglet.  

In the blood serum of three days old piglets, antibodies 
specific for PPV were found. A total of 60 blood serum 
samples were checked, and the defined titre values of 
specific antibodies ranged between 11 to 14 (Table 2). In 
three days old piglets, the antibody level was 13.37. With 
the same 10 days old piglets, an antibody level of 13.30 
specific for PPV was diagnosed. In blood serum of 17 
days old piglets, the average titer value of antibodies 
specific for PPV was 12.02, which is a lower level 
compared to an average level of antibodies specific to 
PPV in the blood serum of 10 days old piglets (13.30). 
From the results in Table 2, it can be concluded that an 
average antibody titer specific for PPV in the blood serum 
of 24 days old piglets was 11.80. With 31 days old 
piglets, the determined antibody titer values specific for 
PPV was 8.70. The antibody titer value characteristic of 
PPV in blood serum of examined 38 days old piglets was 
8.40. In blood serum of 45 days old fatlings, the lowest 
antibody titre value characteristic of PPV was found, and 
it measured 5.48. The average value of antibody titer 
characteristic of PPV with 55 days old fatlings was 10.86. 
The average antibody titer specific for PPV in blood 
serum of 65 days old fatlings was 10.63. With 100 days 
old fatlings, the antibody titre specific for PPV was found 



  
 
 

 
Table 1. Antibody titer specific for PPV in blood serum of piglets.  

 
Titer      Number of piglets      

 

value *0 3 10 17 24 31 38 45 55 65 100 130 180  

 
 

14 0 36 38 7 11 0 0 0 4 2 2 12 3 
 

13 0 14 16 13 8 0 0 0 6 2 4 2 10 
 

12 0 6 4 20 14 2 6 0 5 8 7 1 14 
 

11 0 4 0 14 13 9 7 10 13 15 15 8 9 
 

10 0 0 1 6 13 21 22 10 21 21 9 12 13 
 

9 0 0 0 0 1 21 15 12 8 9 10 15 0 
 

0 60 0 1 0 0 7 10 26 0 0 0 0 0 
 

 
* Age (days). 

 

 
Table 2. The average antibody titer values specific for PPV in 
the blood serum of piglets.  

 
 Age (days) Average Interval 

 0 0 0 

 3 13.37 11-14 

 10 13.30 0-14 

 17 12.02 10-14 

 24 11.80 9-14 

 31 8.70 0-12 

 38 8.40 0-12 

 45 5.48 0-11 

 55 10.86 9-14 

 65 10.63 9-14 

 100 10.83 9-14 

 130 10.98 9-14 

 180 11.61 10-14 
 

 

to be 10.83. The average antibody titer specific for PPV in 
the population of 130 days old fatlings was 10.98. Within 
the examined population of 180 days old fatlings, 
antibody titer specific for PPV was found to be 11.61 
(Table 2). 
 

 

DISCUSSION 
 
Before the uptake of colostrum, antibodies specific for 
PPV were not diagnosed in the blood serum of any piglet 
from the vaccinated mothers (Table 1). This indicates no 
intrauterine infection (Dividich, 2007). The average 
antibody titer specific for PPV in blood serum of 3 days 
old piglets was 13.37 which is a very high value and 
shows the efficiency of the transfer of colostral antibodies 
from sow to piglet (Damm et al., 2002). Nearly all the 
identical average antibody titer specific for PPV was 
diagnosed in the blood serum of 10 days old piglets. 
Although it is a question of a relatively unexpected 
occurrence, it is possible that it is the case of a prolonged 
absorption of colostral immunoglobulins, which, in some 

 
 

 

cases, can last for 5 days (Rooke et al., 2003). In this 
period, the first piglets without immunoglobulin appeared 
(Table 1), which could be connected to immunoglobulins 
M (IgM) which in a number of cases could be the 
colostral immune carriers. With 17 days old piglets, the 
decrease of the antibody titer specific for PPV was noted, 
compared to the antibody titre with the same piglets 
seven days before (from 13.30 to 12.02). The drop in 
antibody titer values of 10% is probably the consequence 
of the onset of the catabolism of colostral titre antibodies 
for about 10% (Gagrčin et al., 1989) due to the 
decreased plasma concentration in a growing piglet (Paul 
et al., 1981). Antibody titer specific for PPV in blood 
serum of 45 days old piglets has a tendency to drop, and 
with 31 days old piglets, an increased number of sero-
negative animals occurred. With the same examined 45 
days old fatlings, the lowest antibody titer specific for 
PPV was found to be 5.48. The antibody titer specific for 

PPV progressively increased from 55 until the 180
th

 day 

of fatling life. The antibody titer in 55 days old fatlings 
was 10.86, which is double the value compared to the 
one gained 10 days earlier. The reason for this abrupt 
raise of antibodies specific for PPV in the blood serum of 
fatlings should be sought in the fact that PPV infection of 
swine is widely spread with clinically healthy swine 
around the world. Also, PPV is an enzootic infection, 
permanently present on the territory of Serbia (Došen et 
al., 2002), especially in clinically healthy swine herds in 
intensive breeding, in a form of inapparent persistent 
infection. All this is a consequence that the infection of 
fatlings whose level of protection from PPV infection was 
very low when they were 45 days old initiated 
immunological response which manifested itself with 
elevation of antibody titer specific for PPV. The results 
show that up till 45 days of life, piglet catabolism of 
colostral antibodies occurred, and the passive immunity 
seized to exist, which is evidenced by the fact that the 
bearers of passive immunity are immunoglobulin G (IgG) 
(Gagrčin et al., 1989; Rooke et al., 2003). Half-life of this 
class of immunoglobulin is 15 days (Jerant-Patic, 2000; 
Tizard, 2000) which as a consequence has continuation 
of passive immunity for 3 to 40 days, regardless of their 



                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

T
it
re

 o
f 
a

n
ti
b

o
d
y

 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Figure 1. The dynamics of movement of antibody titer values specific for PPV in the blood serum of piglets. 
 

 

concentration in the colostrum itself.  
Considering the data from many authors that colostrum 

immunity lasts up to 6 months (Gradil et al., 1990; 
Mengeling et al. 1999; Fenati et al. 2009), the question 
that arises is “what is the class of immunoglobulin of 
which the half life would be 3 to 6 months?” Because 
such an immunoglobulin class has not been determined, 
the reason for this statement should be sought in the 
activating of the self immunological response.  

In this study, a very high antibody titer specific for PPV 
in the blood serum of 130 and 180 days old fatlings was 
found (10.98 and 11.61). This high antibody titer specific 
for PPV has been confirmed in studies by Mengeling et 
al. (1999) and Fenati et al. (2009). They administered the 
findings of a high antibody titer with 3 to 6 months old 
piglets to passive immunity, that is, to colostral 
antibodies. The antibody titer specific for PPV in 40 days 
old piglets dropped to a low level since there was 
catabolism of colostral antibodies which Gagrčin et al. 
(1989) explained in their research and which meant 
termination of passive immunity, upon which the self 
immune response happened (active immunity) (Figure 1). 
 

 
REFERENCES 
 
Antonis FGA, Bruschke JMC, Rueda P, Maranga L, Casal JI, Vela C, 

Hilgers ATL, Belt BGMP, Weerdmeester K, Carrondo JTM, 
Langeveld PMJ (2006). A novel recombinant virus-like particle 
vaccine for prevention of porcine parvovirus-induced reproductive 
failure. Vaccine, 24: 5481-5490.  

Ašanin R, Krnjajić D, Milić N (2006). Priručnik sa praktičnim vežbama iz 
mikrobiologije sa imunologijom. Autorsko izdanje, Beograd. pp. 63-66 

Clark  LK  (1996).  Epidemiology  and  management  of  selected  swine 
reproductive diseases. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 42:447-454.  

Damm IB, Friggens CN, Nielsen J, Ingvarsen LK, Pedersen JL (2002). 
Factors affecting the transfer of porcine parvovirus antibodies from 
sow to piglets. J.Vet. Med. Series A, 49(9): p. 487. 

 
 

 
Dividich LJ (2007). The issue of colostrums in piglet survival: energy 

and immunity. Nutri. Biotech. Feed Food Ind. pp. 89-102.  
Došen R, Gagrčin M, Prodanov J, Orlić D (2002). Porcine parvovirus 

infection. Vet. Glasnik, 56(1-2): 13-19.  
Fenati M, Armaroli E, Corrain R, Guberti V (2009). Indirect estimation of 

porcine parvovirus maternal immunity decay in free-living wild boar 
(Sus scrofa) piglets by capture-recapture data. Vet. J. 180(2): 262-
264.  

Gagrčin M, Popović M, Ćirković D (1989). Some aspects of colostral 
immunity in piglets against porcine parvovirus infection. Vet. Glasnik 
44(7): 587-590.  

Gradil CM, Joo HS, Molitor TW (1990). Persistence of porcine 
parvovirus in swine infected in utero and followed through maturity. J. 
Vet. Med. B 37: 309-316.  

Jerant-Patić V (2000). Viruses today and tomorrow. Med. Pregl. 53(11-
12): 547-558.  

Mengeling WL (2006). Porcine parvovirus. Diseases of swine, Iowa 
State University Press, Iowa, pp. 373-386.  

Mengeling WL (1999). Porcine parvovirus. Diseases of swine, Iowa 
State University Press, Iowa, pp. 187-200.  

Mengeling LW, Lager MK, Vorwald CA (2000). The effect of porcine 
parvovirus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 
on porcine reproductive performance. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 60-61: 199-
210.  

Oravainen J, Hakala M, Rautiainen E, Veijalainen P, Heinonen M, Tast 
A, Virolanen JV, Peltoniemi OAT (2006). Parvovirus antibodies in 
vaccinated gilts in field conditions-results with HI and ELISA tests. 
Reprod. Dom. Anim. 41: 91-93.  

Paul PS, Mengeling WL, Pirtle EC (1981). Duration and biological half-
life of passively acquired colostral antibodies to porcine parvovirus. 
Am. J. Vet. Res. 43:8.  

Rogan D, Petrović T, Lazić S (2002). Novija saznanja o parvovirusnim 
infekcijama svinja, Zbornik referata i kratkih sadržaja, 14. 
savetovanje veterinara Srbije, Zlatibor, pp. 49-58.  

Rooke AJ, Carranca C, Bland MI, Sinclair GA, Ewen M, Bland CVI, 
Edwards AS (2003). Relationship between passive absorption of 
immunoglobulin G by the piglet and plasma concentrations of 
immunoglobulin G at weaning. Livestock Prod. Sci. 81: 223-234.  

Tizard IR (2000). Veterinary Immunology. 6
th

 Edition, London, WB 
Sauders, 89: p. 223. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Fenati%20M%22%5BAuthor%5D
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Fenati%20M%22%5BAuthor%5D
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Fenati%20M%22%5BAuthor%5D
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Fenati%20M%22%5BAuthor%5D
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Corrain%20R%22%5BAuthor%5D
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=%22Corrain%20R%22%5BAuthor%5D
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18295517

