In this work the clinical evolution and the specific serum IgG and IgE antibody responses in sheep after primary (n=10) and secondary (n=4) experimental challenges with the mange mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. ovis were studied. The primary infection was characterized by the development of mange lesions in all sheep, a detection of live S. scabiei mites in 70% skin scrapings taken in week 10 post-challenge (PC), strongly raised and sustained specific IgG levels and a more moderate but continuous rise in specific IgE levels. Seroconversion was detected for IgG and IgE by ELISA in 90% and 60% of the sheep in week 8 PC, respectively. By Western-blotting (WB), ten IgG-reactive bands (36-120 kDa) and four IgE-reactive bands (90-180 kDa) were observed in week 8 PC. Following the secondary challenge the ewes developed a smaller area of mange lesion than that seen following primary challenge and live S. scabiei mites were not detected in skin scrapings collected in week 8 PC, suggesting that sheep had developed immunity to re-infection. Compared to primary infection, the specific IgG secondary antibody levels were transient, but in contrast there was an anamnestic IgE response, resulting in an elicitation of specific serum IgE levels in week 2 PC significantly higher than those demonstrated after primary infection. WB analysis revealed one additional IgG-reactive band (180 kDa) and no additional IgE-reactive bands. Determining the immunodiagnostic or vaccination value of the IgG-reactive antigens and IgE-reactive allergens detected requires further studies.
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