Immunization against Turkey Coryza by Colonization with Mutants of Alcaligenes faecalis

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Abstract
Temperature-sensitive mutants of A. faecalis that exhibited reduced growth at 42.degree. C but grew well at 30.degree. C were induced by N-methyl-N''-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Four of the 5 mutants that were studied readily colonized the nasal mucosa of turkeys when given intranasally or in drinking water. Several mutants caused no signs of coryza or depression and produced minimal colonization of the trachea. Colonization of the nasal mucosa lasted 3-4 wk and induced moderate levels of serum antibodies. When challenged with virulent isolates of A. faecalis 4-6 wk after exposure to the mutants, unstressed turkeys were protected; turkeys subjected to water deprivation exhibited some colonization with the virulent strain and showed slight signs of coryza.