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Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays for the Species-specific Detection of Eimeria that Infect Chickens
Published on: February 20, 2015
Enhanced mucosal immunity against Eimeria acervulina in broilers fed a Lactobacillus-based probiotic
R A Dalloul1, H S Lillehoj, T A Shellem
1Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Poultry Science
|February 13, 2003
Summary
Feeding broiler chickens a Lactobacillus-based probiotic enhanced intestinal immunity and significantly reduced oocyst shedding from coccidiosis. This probiotic supplementation improved the birds
Area of Science:
- Poultry immunology
- Gut microbiome modulation
- Avian disease resistance
Background:
- Coccidiosis is a significant parasitic disease in broiler chickens, causing substantial economic losses.
- Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) play a crucial role in mucosal immunity.
- Probiotics are known to modulate the gut immune system, but their specific effects on IELs and coccidiosis resistance require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a Lactobacillus-based probiotic on IEL subpopulations in broiler chickens.
- To evaluate the probiotic's efficacy in protecting chickens against Eimeria acervulina-induced coccidiosis.
- To assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on local and systemic immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Broiler chickens were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with a commercial probiotic (Primalac).
- IEL subpopulations were analyzed using flow cytometry.
- Birds were orally challenged with Eimeria acervulina, and oocyst shedding was quantified.
- Serum and intestinal secretions were collected to measure interferon-gamma and antibody levels.
Main Results:
- Probiotic-fed birds exhibited increased IELs expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, and alphabetaTCR.
- Significantly reduced oocyst shedding (P < 0.0001) was observed in probiotic-fed chickens compared to controls.
- No significant differences in interferon-gamma levels were found, but control birds showed higher intestinal antibody levels against a coccidial antigen.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus-based probiotic supplementation alters IEL subpopulations in broiler chickens.
- Probiotic administration enhances resistance to Eimeria acervulina infection, evidenced by reduced oocyst shedding.
- The probiotic impacts local gut immunity, contributing to improved disease resistance in poultry.
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