Abstract
Summary
Specific antibody formation to influenza A virus vaccine (strain PR8) has been demonstrated in hibernating Citellus tridecemlineatus. Although only a small amount of hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody was formed on primary antigenic stimulation, it was detectable. A true anamnestic response was shown in animals given a booster dose of antigen 1 month after the initial injection when these animals were awake at room temperature for 5 days before sacrifice. Whether a true secondary response was obtained entirely in hibernation is not ascertainable from our data, although the GMT was significantly different from the primary GMT. A possible pseudosecondary response was also noted following primary antigenic stimulation when the antigen presumeably was retained in the hibernating animals.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.