Efficacy of hyperimmunized egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against Campylobacter jejuni: In Vitro and In Vivo evaluations

Campylobacter infections are a prevalent cause of diarrheal disease in humans and are the most significant zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Human campylobacteriosis is generally via ingestion of contaminated poultry products. However, based on recent studies chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY) powder has great potential to reduce the cecum load of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) in broilers. To understand the effective and economically feasible dosage, two immunization and challenge studies were conducted using 30 layer hens and 250 broiler chickens and found a scientific approach, starting with in vitro evaluations and progressing with in vivo studies confirmed. In this study it was demonstrated that specific IgY powder (SIgY), produced by immunized hens via bacterin, was highly effective in inhibiting bacterial growth and adhesion, as well as exhibiting bactericidal and agglutination properties (P < 0.05). Notably, doses of 0.5 % and 1 % SIgY significantly enhanced both the height and width of intestinal villi, along with improving the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio when compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, medium and high doses of SIgY were effective in preserving the integrity of the intestinal epithelium, as evidenced by a reduction in crypt depth and the number of goblet cells, which serve as important markers in the immune system (P < 0.01). Additionally, analyses of cecal and liver bacterial counts in response to the 0.5 % SIgY treatment revealed a significant reduction in C. jejuni counts compared to other challenged groups throughout the 28 d experiment (P < 0.01). Based on these results, it may be concluded that specific antibodies play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of intestinal villi, support the health of the intestinal epithelium, and reduce the colonization of C. jejuni. These findings could form the basis for developing an economical and effective strategy to enhance poultry and human health in the context of C. jejuni infection.