The Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis Subsp. Lactis and Vitamin D on Immunological Response Following Vaccination in Puppies

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effects of oral application of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and vitamin D on the immune response after vaccination in puppies. Crossbred dogs at the age of 55–65 days (n=21) of both sexes were grouped according to the application as follows: Group 1 - commercial polyvalent vaccine only (Vanguard 5L4, Zoetis); Group 2 -polyvalent vaccine and vitamin D; and Group 3 - polyvalent vaccine, B. animalis subsp. lactis , and vitamin D. The antibody titers, measured 3 weeks after the vaccination and after the 1 st booster, demonstrated sufficient protective levels against the canine distemper virus but without significant difference between the groups when compare both values. No significant differences either, were observed in antibody titers against canine parvovirus after the initial vaccination. However, after the 1 st booster, Group 2 samples showed significantly higher antibody titer value compared to the other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the dogs included in this study had an adequate antibody response to canine parvovirus and distemper viruses following the vaccination and 1 st booster in all three groups of animals, and significant increasing of protective antibody titers against canine parvovirus virus the after the 1 st booster in the group where B. animalis subsp. lactis was included.