Immunofluorescent studies on localization of secretory immunoglobulins in the intestines of turkeys recovered from turkey coronaviral enteritis.

The present study concerns the production of specific secretory antibodies in turkeys orally inoculated with turkey coronavirus (TCV). Tissue localization of secretory antibodies in the intestines of recovered birds 4 and 5 months later was demonstrated by immunofluorescence technique. Intestinal sections were stained by sandwich method, using concentrated TCV antigen and anti-TCV conjugate. It was suggested that local synthesis of antibody might be responsible for life-long immunity seen in these birds after recovery from infection.