Yolk Immunoglobulin Research Articles

The immunoglobulin of yolk and cerium oxide-based fibrous poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/gelatin dressings enable skin regeneration in an infectious wound model

The immunoglobulin of yolk and cerium oxide-based fibrous poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)/gelatin dressings enable skin regeneration in an infectious wound model

Development of protective egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) targeting CfaB, LTB, and EtpA recombinant proteins of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) for inhibiting toxin activity and bacterial adherence.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) stands as a prevalent bacterial cause of global diarrheal incidents. ETEC's primary virulence factors encompass the B subunit of the Heat Labile Enterotoxin, along with the adhesion factors CfaB and EtpA. In this study, we isolated IgY antibodies against the three virulence factors individually, in pairs, and as triple cocktails. The in vitro efficacy of these IgY antibodies was examined, focusing on inhibiting heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) toxin cytotoxicity and impeding ETEC adherence to HT29 cells. Assessing the impact of IgY-treated bacteria on intestinal epithelial cells utilized the standard ileal loop method. Results demonstrated that the anti-LTB IgY antibody at 125µg/ml and IgY antibodies from double and tertiary cocktails at 200µg/ml effectively inhibited LT toxin attachment to the Y1 cell line. Pre-incubation of HT29 intestinal cells with specific IgYs reduced bacterial attachment by 59.7%. In the ileal loop test, toxin neutralization with specific IgYs curtailed the toxin's function in the intestine, leading to a 74.8% reduction in fluid accumulation compared to control loops. These findings suggest that egg yolk immunoglobulins against recombinant proteins LTB, CfaB, and EtpA, either individually or in combination, hold promise as prophylactic antibodies to impede the functioning of ETEC bacteria.

Protective Effect of IgY Embedded in W/O/W Emulsion on LPS Enteritis-Induced Colonic Injury in Mice.

Chicken yolk immunoglobulin (IgY), an immunologically active component, is used as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of enteritis. In this study, IgY was embedded in a W/O/W emulsion to overcome the digestive barrier and to investigate the protective effect of IgY against LPS-induced enteritis in mice. Four different hydrophilic emulsifiers (T80, PC, SC, and WPI) were selected to prepare separate W/O/W emulsions for encapsulating IgY. The results showed that the IgY-embedded double emulsion in the WPI group was the most effective. IgY embedded in the W/O/W emulsion could reduce the damage of LPS to the mouse intestine and prevent LPS-induced intestinal mucosal damage in mice. It increased the number of cup cells, promoted the expression of Muc2, and increased the mRNA expression levels of KLF3, TFF3, Itln1, and Ang4 (p < 0.05). It also enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the colon tissue, reduced the level of inflammatory factors in the colon tissue, and protected the integrity of the colon tissue. Stable embedding of IgY could be achieved using the W/O/W emulsion. In addition, the IgY-embedded W/O/W emulsion can be used as a dietary supplement to protect against LPS-induced enteritis in mice.

Evaluation of The efficacy of Purified Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY) in Preventing and Controlling Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in Broiler Chickens

Evaluation of The efficacy of Purified Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY) in Preventing and Controlling Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in Broiler Chickens

IgY-mediated protection against Vibrio cholerae infection: Efficacy of avian antibodies targeting a chimeric recombinant protein

Introduction: Vibrio cholerae, the etiologic pathogen of diarrheal disease, prevails mainly in developing countries, transmitted through contaminated water or food. The unique genetic makeup and remarkable competency has prompted intensive research to unravel the bacterium virulence properties. Egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) have emerged as innovative biotherapeutics for both passive immunotherapy and prophylactic strategies. Methods: In the present study, we generated avian antibodies against a chimeric recombinant protein comprising OmpW-TcpA-CtxB (OTC) antigens from V. cholerae, and examined its efficacy against bacterial toxins and infection. The chimeric protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Leghorn chickens were intramuscularly immunized with the recombinant protein and the purity of extracted IgYs was assessed through SDS-PAGE analysis. The immunoreactivity and specificity of anti-OTC-IgYs were evaluated through protein and whole-cell ELISA, and their ability to neutralize cholera toxin (CT) of V. cholerae was evaluated in Y1 cell line. Finally, the protective efficacy of orally administered anti-OTC-IgY was investigated in V. cholerae-infected infant mice. Results: Anti-OTC-IgY successfully neutralized the cytotoxic effects of CT at a concentration of 250 µg/mL. Oral administration of two 100 µg doses of anti-OTC-IgY and resulted in 60% and 20% survival rates in suckling mice infected with LD and 10 LD of V. cholerae, respectively. Conclusion: The anti-OTC-IgY antibodies exhibited significant immunoreactivity, toxin-neutralizing potency, and protective effects, establishing their potential as promising antimicrobials against the bacterial pathogenicity through passive immunotherapy.

Development of chicken egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against venom of cobra (Naja naja) and krait (Bungarus caeruleus) and a study on its neutralization potential

The Big Four snakes are the leading causes of snakebite mortality in India. Among them, The Indian spectacled cobra (Naja naja) and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) contribute about one-third of the deaths. The conventional anti-snake venoms (ASV) produced from equine serum are found to be expensive, with a high frequency of clinical side effects, low specificity, and production drawbacks. The current study, therefore, attempted to develop chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) as antivenoms against the venoms of cobra and krait venoms. The major pathophysiological properties of the venoms and the efficacy of monovalent ASV IgY were evaluated. The titer of anti-cobra and anti-krait IgY was found to be 1:64000 on the 145th day post-immunization. The results showed that venoms (lethal doses (LD50): cobra:0.375 mg/kg, krait:0.0375 mg/kg of mice) had hemolytic, pro-coagulant, inflammatory, hemorrhagic, and edematic activities that were effectively neutralized by ASV-IgY. 1 mL of monovalent ASV IgY was able to neutralize 0.22 mg of cobra venom and 0.028 mg of krait venom whereas 1 mL of commercial polyvalent antivenom was able to neutralize 0.28 mg of cobra venom and 0.035 mg of krait venom. The study results suggest that using chicken IgY as an monovalent antivenom could effectively treat snakebites.

Production, characterization and therapeutic efficacy of egg yolk antibodies specific to Nosema ceranae.

Nosema disease, caused by Nosema ceranae, one of the single-celled fungal microsporidian parasites, is one of the most important and common diseases of adult honey bees. Since fumagillin, which has been used for decades in the control of Nosema disease in honey bees (Apis mellifera), poses a toxic threat and its efficacy against N. ceranae is uncertain, there is an urgent need to develop alternative prophylactic and curative strategies for the treatment of this disease. The main aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of specific egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) on Nosema disease. For this purpose, the presence of N. ceranae was determined by microscopic and PCR methods in honey bees collected from Nosema suspicious colonies by conducting a field survey. Layered Ataks chickens, divided into four groups each containing 20 animals, were vaccinated with live and inactivated vaccines prepared from field isolates of N. ceranae. Eggs were collected weekly for 10 weeks following the last vaccination. IgY extraction was performed using the PEG precipitation method from egg yolks collected from each group, and the purity of the antibodies was determined by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot. The presence of N. ceranae-specific IgYs was investigated by Western Blot and indirect ELISA methods. It was determined that specific IgYs showed high therapeutic efficacy on Nosema disease in naturally infected bee colonies. In addition, honey bees collected from infected colonies were brought to the laboratory and placed in cages with 30 bees each, and the effectiveness of IgYs was investigated under controlled conditions. It was detected that specific IgY reduced the Nosema spore load and the number of infected bees significantly in both the field and experimental study groups treated for seven days. It was concluded that chicken IgYs, an innovative and eco-friendly method, had a significant potential for use as an alternative to antifungal drugs.

Development of an inexpensive and simple test system for the differential detection of avian influenza viruses and avian paramyxoviruses in environmental monitoring

Aim The aim of this work was to develop a simple and inexpensive test system for the detection and differentiation of viruses isolated from migratory birds, primarily avian influenza viruses (AIVs) and avian paramyxoviruses. Methods The method is based on the binding of viruses to a receptor analogue and to antibodies against paramyxoviruses. We prepared egg yolk immunoglobulins against NDV and against APMV-4 (isolated from eggs of immune layers) and coated 96-well ELISA plates with either fetuin or anti-paramyxovirus IgG. After incubaion with virus-containing allantoic fluids, viruses were detected using peroxidase-labeled fetuin or peroxidase-labeled anti-NIV IgG. Results We examined the binding of 83 viruses isolated in Moscow in 2006-2023 to fetuin and to antibodies against NDV and against APMV-4. Also, all these viruses were typed by partial or complete genome sequencing. It has been shown that AIVs bind to the sialoglycoprotein fetuin, whereas none of the tested paramyxoviruses did so. Conclusion Preliminary identification of the groups to which the viruses belongs allowed saving labor and primers when setting up PCR. Receptor binding and antibody binding in an ELISA-like assay allows recognition and differentiation of influenza, NDV and APMV-4 viruses.

Mapping the landscape of IgY antibody research in Africa: A capacity and output analysis

Egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is a promising class of antibodies with applications in several areas including food safety, disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The technology involving IgY manipulation is relatively simple, yet powerful, due to the properties of the antibodies. Despite the increasing interest in IgY research globally, there has been limited exploration of IgY study in Africa, a continent that bears a disproportionate level of disease burden. Building capacity within the continent could contribute significantly to addressing the healthcare challenges facing the region. This study aimed to investigate the capacity and output of researchers affiliated with African institutions in IgY-related research. Data on IgY-based publications in Africa were sourced from the SCOPUS database, and VoSviewer was used to visualize collaborations and research trends. Additional information was obtained from relevant databases to assess publication quality, and the individual publications were summarised. The results showed that there was low research output from African institutions on IgY-related topics, but the published papers were of good quality and have made significant contributions to the field of IgY research. The majority of IgY research in Africa is being conducted by a small number of research groups, and there is a lack of collaboration between them. Furthermore, intra-Africa collaborations are rare. The main focus of IgY research in Africa is on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases affecting humans and animals, which aligns with the healthcare challenges facing the continent. However, areas of IgY research, such as IgY dosage and delivery formulation, and IgY-based antibody mimetics, are currently underexplored by African researchers. This study highlights the need for more investment in IgY research in Africa and the need for collaboration among research groups and institutions. Future research should focus on exploring new areas of IgY research, including the development of viable forms of IgY delivery and dosage formulations, the exploration of IgY-based antibody mimetics and product development. By doing so, African researchers can contribute significantly to the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic applications for IgY.

Preparation of Anti-Zearalenone IgY and Development of an Indirect Competitive ELISA Method for the Measurement of Zearalenone in Post-Fermented Tea.

Post-fermented tea (PFT) is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. Rapid microbial growth and significant changes in the microbial composition of PFT during processing and storage pose a potential risk of contamination with mycotoxins such as zearalenone (ZEN). Screening for ZEN contamination in a simple, rapid, and inexpensive manner is required to ensure that PFT is safe for consumption. To monitor ZEN in PFT, ZEN was conjugated with bovine serum albumin to prepare egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY). A specific indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) based on IgY was developed and validated. ZEN was extracted with acetonitrile and water (50:50, v/v) containing 5% acetic acid and purified using a mixture of primary and secondary amines and graphitized carbon black to remove matrix interference from the PFT samples. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of this assay was 13.8-508.9 ng mL-1, the limit of detection was 9.3 ng mL-1, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration was 83.8 ng mL-1. Cross-reactivity was negligible, and the assay was specific for ZEN-related molecules. The recovery rate of ZEN in the control blanks of PFT samples spiked with a defined concentration of ZEN of 89.5% to 98.0%. The recovery and accuracy of the method were qualified for PFT matrices. No significant differences were evident between the results of the actual PFT samples analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and ic-ELISA. The collective data indicate that the developed ic-ELISA can be used for the rapid and simple detection of ZEN in PFT products.

Immune function, egg quality and production responses in layer hens fed two different lignocellulose fibre supplements during the early laying period

The effects on immune function and egg productivity of 2 commercial lignocellulose supplements with similar insoluble and soluble fibre concentrations and water holding capacities, were determined in Hy-Line Brown hens from 20 weeks-of-age for 8 weeks. Hens were fed 1 of 3 diets (6 pens/diet, 3 hens/pen): Control diet – a commercial layer diet; Diet LC1 - Control diet plus 1.5 g Arbocel RC fine/100 g diet; Diet LC2, Control diet plus 1.5 g OptiCell C5/100 g diet. After 4 weeks, heterophil phagocytosis index and percentage (innate immunity), was greater in LC1 (p < 0.05) than Controls. After 8 weeks, absolute and relative weights (g/100 g BW) of LC1 thymus glands were heavier (p < 0.05) than Control; numbers of intestinal Peyer’s patches in LC1 were greater (p < 0.05) than LC2 and Control; total and relative areas of LC1 Peyer’s patches were higher (p < 0.05) than Control. Yolk immunoglobulin Y concentrations of LC1 were higher but not significantly, than Control and LC2. Between 6 and 8 weeks, egg weights and eggs produced/hen per d of LC1 hens were greater (p < 0.05) than Controls. Feeding LC1, but not LC2, during early lay significantly improved immune function and egg productivity compared to Control. As dietary fibre concentrations of LC1 and LC2 were similar, differences in their relative concentrations of chemical components such as cellulose and lignin or types of polysaccharides, may have contributed to the improvements during early lay.

Konjac gum and maltodextrin compound tablets as carriers of IgY for sustained release in stomach

Egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) is a biologically active ingredient with high immunogenicity; however, its instability in the acidic environment of the upper gastrointestinal tract limits its application in oral formulations. In the present work, an encapsulation system based on maltodextrin (MD) and konjac gum (KGM) was developed as a protective carrier for IgY for targeted release to retain stability. A simulated gastric model was used to compare the release characteristics of the different formulations, and to explore the optimal release mode. To better understand the controlled release mechanism of MD and KGM composite tablets, the release curve, macrostructure, microstructure, and water mobility were analysed. Results indicated that the sustained release of IgY from MD and KGM composite tablets was mainly driven by Fick diffusion and dissolution. As the concentration of KGM increased, the release rate of IgY from the tablets decreased, and the release mechanism gradually changed from diffusion to erosion. The dense cross-linkage between MD and KGM helped prevent tablet disintegration, and slowed down the release of IgY. In addition, the dissolved KGM formed a film on the tablet surface to control the erosion rate. It can be concluded that the optimal formulation of an IgY-loaded tablet was a mass fraction of 50% MD, 30% KGM, and 20% IgY. The present work provided a practical method to protect the biologically active ingredients from acidic destruction in the stomach during oral treatment.

Применение желточных антител птиц в медико-биологических исследованиях

Passive immunization, proposed by E. Behring, is still a sought-after treatment option using mammalian antibodies. This principle was developed by F. Klemperer in 1893, showing that antibodies that could inactivate the pathogen appeared in the egg yolks of chickens immunized with tetanus toxin. At this time, E. Behring, S. Kitasato, and other investigators studied the inactivating properties of mammalian sera, and an article by F. Klemperer on the transfer of active antibodies from chicken blood to egg yolk remained unattended. Only after the publication of the 3Rs principles by W.M.S. Russell and R.L. Burch in 1959, it was realized that the extraction of egg yolks from immunized birds was fully consistent with the principles of bioethics because the procedure was physiological and non-invasive. Researchers in many countries began to study the yolk immunoglobulins of birds of different species and use them in the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of human and animal diseases. The following species of birds are used for production of IgY-antibodies: chicken, quail, duck, goose, ostrich. Extraction of immunoglobulins from egg yolks of birds is not a difficult task. Many options for the isolation and purification of yolk immunoglobulins from different avian species have been described in the literature. IgY technology has attracted a lot of interest among researchers, especially in the last 10 years. In addition, advances in laboratory techniques and the application of other technologies in the field have resulted in IgY technology becoming more mature for industrial production of specific antibodies and commercialization of the process. Companies are emerging in many countries producing transovarian (yolk) antibodies against pathogens that cause dental caries, peptic ulcer, celiac disease and other diseases. IgY-technologies are a relatively new direction in immunology, based on the passive immunization technology of E. Behring, but it is not sufficiently appreciated in Russia. The replacement of mammalian IgG with avian transovarial IgY allows to develop commercially significant amounts of specific antibodies that do not cause side effects, expands the possibilities of passive immunization methods for the treatment of lesions caused by viruses, bacteria and toxins. This review describes the properties of IgY from different avian species and examples of their application in therapy and disease prevention.

Passive immunization with anti-FimA egg yolk antibodies (IgYs) mitigate Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia in mice

Acinetobacter baumannii is a formidable pathogen, characterized by high mortality rates and pan-drug-resistant strains. Current commercial antibiotics lack efficacy against drug-resistant variants, necessitating the search for alternative treatments. This study investigates the potential of egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) as a cost-effective biomolecule for passive protection against A. baumannii pneumonia. FimA (ABAYE2132), a key virulence factor involved in biofilm development and lung cell adherence, emerges as a promising antigen for triggering protective IgY production. Recombinant FimA was expressed, purified, and used for intramuscular immunization of laying White Leghorn hens. IgY antibodies were subsequently extracted from egg yolks, with their reactivity assessed through indirect ELISA. Neutropenic mice received intranasal administration of IgYs one hour prior to the challenge with a clinical A. baumannii isolate (10 ×LD50). The specific anti-FimA IgYs detected recombinant FimA and provided 100% protection against bacterial infection, while non-specific IgYs prolonged survival for up to 72 h. In contrast, control mice succumbed to infection within 24 h. Analysis of bacterial loads in lungs and spleens after 16 h reveals the following order: control > non-specific IgY > anti-FimA IgY. These findings highlight FimA as a suitable antigen for the development of protective IgYs against A. baumannii.

PH-responsive multi-network composite cellulose-based hydrogels for stable delivery of oral IgY-Fab fragments

Yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) is perfect supplement to mammalian immunoglobulin G in passive immune protection but with poor delivery stability. This work succeeded in pH-responsive oral delivery of IgY-Fab fragments with cellulose based multi-network composite hydrogels. Data displayed that the hydrogel 2 showed superior mechanical properties and load performance (encapsulation efficiency of 99.25% and loading capacity of 45.11 mg/100 mg). The stability of the released Fab was confirmed by HPLC with Fab purity up to 79.65% at the end of digestion. The FTIR spectra revealed the potential interactions between Fab and the hydrogel matrix of the formation of hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions between the groups of -OH, -CH2, and -COO−. The excellent rehydration of the hydrogels wouldn't be impacted by low-temperature freeze drying. In sum, this work is of great significance to the development of Fab-themed health-care food, intensive processing of poultry eggs and the economic construction of related industries.

Production of Egg Yolk Antibody (IgY) Against Vibrio Cholerae O1: Protective Effect in Mice

Background: Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholera (V. cholera). The development of antibodies against specific V. cholerae may have a therapeutic effect. In the present research, we investigated the protective effect of egg yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY), which was produced by immunizing hens with formaldehyde-killed V. cholerae O1 and subsequently the isolated IgY was orally administrated to the V. cholerae O1 infected mice for evaluation of its immunizing capability.&#x0D; Methods: In the current study, hens were immunized three times with formaldehyde-killed V. cholerae O1 (1.5×107 CFU/ml) and an equal volume of adjuvant. The IgY was isolated from egg yolk by polyethylene glycol method. The validity and activity of isolated IgY were confirmed with SDS-PAGE and ELISA methods, respectively. Subsequently IgY was orally administered to suckling mice following challenge with V. cholerae O1. ELISA results showed high antibody titer in the serum and egg yolk. Also, SDS-PAGE analysis showed successful purification of IgY and anti-V. cholerae IgY prevented the death of mice infected with V. cholerae O1. The anti-V. cholera IgY was administered at 2, 4, 6 hr intervals after 3 hr of inoculation of mice with V. cholerae O1.&#x0D; Results: Results showed that the rate of surviving mice (2 mg/ml of IgY) were 60% after 4 hr and 40% after 6 hr and the rate of surviving mice (5 mg/ml of IgY) was 70% after 4 hr and 60% after 6 hr.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings suggested the egg yolk-driven IgY as a natural antibacterial protein, could be effective in the prevention and treatment of cholera disease.

Production Performance and Sperm Characteristics of Quail (Coturnix-coturnix japonica) with Different Concentrations of Yolk Immunoglobulin

Quails are classified according to their immunity to different IgY concentrations. Quail IgY concentrations range from 0 to 1200 µg ml-1, and these IgY concentrations may affect production and reproductive performance. This study aimed to analyze IgY concentrations in male quail and to compare production and reproductive performance at different IgY concentrations. Forty-two male quail at five weeks of age participated in the study, including 29 quail with low IgY concentration (210-393 µg ml-1)  and, 13 with intermediate IgY concentration (403-564 µg ml-1). The observed productive performances were feed intake, initial body weight, final body weight, weight gain, feed conversion, morbidity, and mortality. In addition, this study observed testicular weight and macroscopic and microscopic semen quality for reproductive traits. Differences in production and reproductive performance of each group were analyzed using an independent-sample t-test. The result showed that male quail with different IgY concentrations were equal in all productive traits (P0.05). This means that male quail with low IgY and medium IgY concentrations are equally good. Testicular weight, semen color and pH were identical at different IgY concentrations. Quails with low IgY concentrations have better sperm consistency, which is related to the weight of the testes, which are heavier in quails with low IgY concentrations than in those with moderate IgY concentrations. This consistency is related to the concentration of sperm in the semen. The result concludes IgY concentrations in male quail did not affect production performance. Quails with low IgY concentration had thicker sperm consistency and higher sperm concentration.

Research Note: A novel method for preparation of egg yolk immunoglobulin Y against Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis, P. g) is the main pathogen of periodontal disease, which is treated with egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) against P. gingivalis. In order to quickly obtain IgY, 30 hens were immunized with inactivated P. gingivalis. The purification of IgY was carried out by the oleic acid (OA) method and the classical method (AS), respectively. The IgY antibody characteristics and antibacterial effects in HPDLF cells were detected by SDS-PAGE, indirect ELISA, Western blot and viability/toxicity assays. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis showed that IgY molecules which were rapidly purified by OA method were complete and specific to P. gingivalis. In addition, the results of crystal violet staining and bacterial staining indicated that IgY could agglutinate with P. gingivalis, inhibiting bacterial invasion of host cells. This study is the first to rapidly and efficiently purify IgY by OA method, and the purified IgY is expected to be used in the detection and treatment of P. gingivalis.

Hyperimmune egg yolk antibodies developed against Clostridium perfringens antigens protect against necrotic enteritis

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a widespread infectious disease caused by Clostridium perfringens that inflicts major economic losses on the global poultry industry. Due to regulations on antibiotic use in poultry production, there is an urgent need for alternative strategies to mitigate the negative effects of NE. This paper presents a passive immunization technology that utilizes hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) specific to the major immunodominant antigens of C. perfringens. Egg yolk IgYs were generated by immunizing hens with 4 different recombinant C. perfringens antigens, and their protective effects against NE were evaluated in commercial broilers. Six different spray-dried egg powders were produced using recombinant C. perfringens antigens: α-toxin, NE B-like toxin (NetB; EB), elongation factor-Tu (ET), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase, a mixture of 4 antigens (EM-1), and a nonimmunized control (EC). The challenged groups were either provided with different egg powders at a 1% level or no egg powders (EN). The NE challenge model based on Eimeria maxima and C. perfringens dual infection was used. In Experiments 1 and 2, the EB and ET groups exhibited increased body weight gain (BWG; P < 0.01), decreased NE lesion scores (P < 0.001), and reduced serum NetB levels (P < 0.01) compared to the EN and EC groups. IgY against NetB significantly reduced Leghorn male hepatocellular cytotoxicity in an in vitro test (P < 0.01). In Experiment 3, the protective effect of the IgYs mixture (EM-2) against C. perfringens antigens (NetB and EFTu) and Eimeria antigens (elongation factor-1-alpha: EF1α and Eimeria profilin: 3-1E) was tested. The EM-2 group showed similar body weight, BWG, and feed intake from d 7 to 22 compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). On d 20, the EM-2 group showed comparable intestinal permeability, NE lesion scores, and jejunal NetB and collagen adhesion protein levels to the NC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary mixture containing antibodies to NetB and EFTu provides protection against experimental NE in chickens through passive immunization.

Production and evaluation of monovalent anti-snake immunoglobulins from chicken egg yolk using Ghanaian puff adder (Bitis arietans) Venom: Isolation, purification, and neutralization efficacy

Snakebites are rampant in Ghana, especially among the farmers, herdsmen, military recruits, hunters, and rural dwellers, and the antisnake venoms (ASV) use to treat these bites are not locally produced but rather imported, which come with a high cost, lack of constant supply and low specificity. The study was therefore aimed at isolating, purifying, and evaluating the efficacy of monovalent ASV from chicken egg yolk using puff adder (Bitis arietans) venom from Ghana. The major pathophysiological properties of the venom and the efficacy of the locally produced ASV were evaluated. The results showed that the snake venom (LD50 of 0.85 mg/kg body weight) had anticoagulant, haemorrhagic, and edematic activities in mice which were effectively neutralized using the purified egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY), with two distinct molecular weight bands (∼70 and 25 kDa). The cross-neutralization studies also showed that the venom/IgY mixture (2.55 mg/kg body weight: 90 mg/kg body weight) offered 100% protection to the animals with ED50 of IgY being 22.66 mg/kg body weight. However, the applied dose (11.36 mg/kg body weight) of the available polyvalent ASV offered 25% protection compared with the 62% protection of the IgY at the same dose. The findings showed successful isolation and purification of a Ghanaian monovalent ASV with a better neutralization efficacy compared with the clinically available polyvalent drug.