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Mycobacterium phlei as an oral immunomodulator with Newcastle disease vaccine
1Immunology Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India. sreesaj@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Experiments were conducted in chickens to understand the effects of oral immunomodulation. Heat inactivated M phlei, a commensal Mycobacterium and a non-specific immunomodulator, was administered orally prior to live Newcastle disease F (ND F) strain vaccination. In experimental birds it lead to an enhanced cell mediated Immune response (CMI) against the vaccine. There was a reduction in the Haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibodies. However, it did not affect the protection against a virulent challenge, as the protection percentage was more or less same in vaccinated birds irrespective of the M.phlei administration. M. phlei administration could not enhance the immune response to inactivated ND F vaccine administered orally. The results indicate that M. phlei favours a CMI response to orally administered live ND F vaccine. It may be of potential use in enhancing CMI against vaccines and a cheaper alternative to costlier recombinant cytokines.
Insights
Oral administration of heat-inactivated Mycobacterium phlei enhanced cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in chickens vaccinated with live Newcastle disease virus (NDV). This immunomodulation did not impact protection against virulent NDV challenge.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary immunology
- Microbial immunomodulation
Background:
- Oral immunomodulation is crucial for vaccine efficacy.
- Mycobacterium phlei is a non-specific immunomodulator with potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of oral Mycobacterium phlei on immune responses to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination in chickens.
- To assess the impact of M. phlei on cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and antibody production.
Main Methods:
- Chickens were orally administered heat-inactivated M. phlei before vaccination with live NDV F strain.
- Cell-mediated immune response (CMI) and Haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody levels were measured.
- Birds were challenged with a virulent NDV strain to assess protection.
Main Results:
- M. phlei administration enhanced CMI against the live NDV vaccine.
- A reduction in HI antibodies was observed.
- Protection against virulent NDV challenge remained unaffected by M. phlei treatment.
- M. phlei did not enhance immune response to an inactivated NDV vaccine.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterium phlei favors a CMI response to orally administered live NDV vaccines.
- M. phlei shows potential for enhancing CMI against vaccines as a cost-effective alternative to recombinant cytokines.

