Genetic resistance to fowl cholera is linked to the major histocompatibility complex

Chickens of the Iowa State S1 line have been selected for ability to regress Rous sarcoma virus-induced (RSV) tumors, humoral immune response to GAT (Ir-GAT), and erythrocyte antigen B. Sublines homozygous at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), as well as F₁ heterozygotes and F₂ segregants, were tested for resistance to fowl cholera by challenge with Pasteurella multocida strain X73. Control of the response at high doses was associated in a preliminary study with Ir-GAT and response to RSV tumors. Genetic control of resistance to low doses of P. multocida was demonstrated via sublines and F₂ segregants to be linked with genes of the B-G region. Thus, genetic control of resistance to fowl cholera in chickens after exposure to Pasteurella multocida was shown to be linked to the major histocompatibility B complex, in this first demonstration of MHC-linked resistance to bacterial disease challenge.