Salivary IgA: A suitable measure of immunity to gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

Infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) is a major constraint on the productivity of grazing livestock. The development of selection methods to quickly and accurately identify animals capable of developing an effective natural immunity to infection would contribute to the development of sustainable worm control programs. A carbohydrate larval surface antigen (CarLA), present on the infective-stage larvae (L3) of all trichostrongylid nematodes, is a target antigen for host antibody (Ab). The levels of various Ab isotypes in serum and/or saliva of field-grazed lambs were assessed by ELISA, and Ab titres compared with parasite faecal egg counts (FECs) and a range of animal productivity parameters. Levels of anti-CarLA IgA in saliva proved to be the most heritable (h2 = 0.3), and had the closest genetic correlation with FEC (r = −0.5). Those animals identified as having ‘high levels’ of anti-CarLA IgA typically have 20–30% lower FEC than animals with low or undetectable titres. Furthermore, animals with ‘high levels’ of anti-CarLA IgA tend to have improved growth rates post-weaning, and have no tendency for increased breech-soiling. The assay performed well regardless of parasite genera present on pasture. The saliva assay has a number of key practical advantages over the use of FEC for selection purposes: animals can be identified without a requirement to withhold anthelmintic treatment; sampling is rapid and easy and there is a significantly reduced barrier to adoption within the farming community. Measurement of anti-CarLA IgA in saliva by ELISA offers a practical, rapid and easy method of selecting for natural immunity to GIN in sheep.