Effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) on immune functions in cats.

Abstract

T evaluate the effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium strain SF68 (NCIMB10415) on immune function, responses to a multivalent vaccine were investigated in kittens given palatability enhancer with or without E. faecium SF68 daily. E. faecium SF68 was detected in the feces of seven of nine treated cats. Supplementation of kittens with E. faecium SF68 did not affect developmental parameters. The percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes was significantly higher in the treatment group. There were no statistical differences in measurements of any other nonspecific or specific immune parameters between groups.