Abstract

Background:
Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies to control infectious diseases in cattle, and early immune response evaluation is essential for understanding initial vaccine-induced immune activation.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters, cytokine expression (IFN-γ, TNF-α), and antibody titers in cattle following administration of a live attenuated Neethling lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) vaccine.

Methods:
Cattle were divided into two groups: i) 14 healthy, unvaccinated cattle (control group) and ii) 21 cattle vaccinated subcutaneously with the Neethling LSDV vaccine. Hematological and biochemical profiles, cytokine gene expression, and LSDV-specific antibody titers were measured 14 days after vaccination.

Results:
Vaccinated cattle showed significantly higher lymphocyte counts and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels than unvaccinated controls (p < 0.05). IFN-γ gene expression was upregulated 1.9-fold in vaccinated cattle (p < 0.05). LSDV-specific antibody titers were significantly higher in vaccinated cattle; however, ELISA sample-to-positive (S/P%) values remained below the diagnostic cutoff value at 14 days post-vaccination.

Conclusion:
Our results indicate that 14 days after vaccination, cattle exhibit increased lymphocyte activity and IFN-γ expression, consistent with an early cellular immune response, although elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase levels may reflect mild physiological stress associated with early vaccine response.

Key words: Cattle; Lumpy skin disease; Immunity; Vaccine