Neutrophil function in sheep experimentally infected with bovine leukemia virus.

In vitro neutrophil adherence, random migration, chemotaxis, resting and phagocytosis-associated oxygen consumption and bactericidal responses were assessed in sheep experimentally infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Neutrophil function was examined in two groups of 9 control and 9 BLV-infected sheep at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11 and 15 weeks post-infection. Enhanced neutrophil adherence, chemotaxis and resting oxygen consumption responses were found in the infected group at 2, 11 and 15 weeks respectively. Significant alterations between groups were not demonstrated during the other time intervals.