Enhanced mucosal immunity against Eimeria acervulina in broilers fed a Lactobacillus-based probiotic.

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.