Abstrakt
                Introduction: The  widespread occurrence of drug-resistant bacteria has increased interest in alternatives to antibiotics for combatting  bacterial  infections,  among  which  bacteriophages  play  an  important  role.  The  ability  of  phage  proteins  to  induce  an anti-phage immune response can significantly limit the effectiveness of treatment, which was the basis for the study described in this article. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of bacteriophages on the induction of an anti-phage humoral response in calves. Material and Methods: The study was conducted using phage components of experimental preparations and sera from calves treated and not treated with phages. Levels of  G, M and A immunoglobulins were analysed  by ELISA.  The assay plates were  coated  with  whole Escherichia  coli and Mannheimia  haemolytica phages  and  selected  phage  proteins  obtained  in  sodium dodecyl   sulphate-polyacrylamide   gel   electrophoresis   and   two-dimensional   electrophoresis.   Neutralisation   of   phages   by immunoglobulins was assessed by determining phage titres using double-layer plates. Results: The results confirmed an increased anti-phage response affecting all immunoglobulin classes in the calf sera. The highest significant (P ≤ 0.05) level of antibodies was observed for IgG in the sera of calves receiving phages. The phage neutralisation test showed a significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the reduction of phage titres in comparison to untreated calves. Conclusion: Despite the induction of an anti-phage response, no significant negative effect on the antibacterial activity of phages was observed in vitro.