Hyperimmunized egg product for treatment of necrotic enteritis in poultry
Inventors
Lillehoj, Hyun S. • Porta, Earnest W. • Walker, Samuel V. • Confer, Leslie A. • Gadde, Ujvala Deepthi • Gay, Cyril
Assignees
Arkion Life Sciences LLC • US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-10450364-B2
Publication Date
2019-10-22
Expiration Date
2038-02-13
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preventing or treating necrotic enteritis by administering a hyperimmunized egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal to an avian. The hyperimmunized egg product may contain an antibody specific to an antigen selected from the group consisting of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Clostridium perfringens Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha.
Core Innovation
Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, is a significant infectious disease in poultry that leads to substantial economic losses globally due to mortality and decreased growth performance. The increasing removal of antibiotic growth promoters from poultry feed has resulted in a steady rise in the incidence of necrotic enteritis. Conventional antibiotic treatments are becoming less effective due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance and associated human health concerns. Thus, there exists a need for efficient non-antibiotic strategies to control and prevent necrotic enteritis.
The invention provides a method for preventing or treating necrotic enteritis in avians by administering a hyperimmunized egg product obtained from an egg-producing animal. This hyperimmunized egg product comprises therapeutically effective amounts of antibodies specific to antigens such as Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), and Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha. The hyperimmunized egg product is produced by hyperimmunizing the egg-producing animal with one or more of these antigens or genetic vaccines encoding them, collecting the resultant eggs, and preparing the egg product. Administration routes include incorporation into feed or drinking water, and formulations may include powders, aqueous concentrates, microparticles, or nanoparticles.
Claims Coverage
The claims define inventive features related to a hyperimmunized egg and egg products for treatment of necrotic enteritis and their specific immunological properties.
Synergistic hyperimmunized egg with elevated antibodies to both EF-Tu and NetB toxin
A hyperimmunized egg produced by an animal hyperimmunized with isolated Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin, wherein levels of antibodies to EF-Tu and NetB toxin are increased relative to eggs from non-hyperimmunized animals, and wherein administration of the egg to an avian with necrotic enteritis results in a synergistic effect on treatment compared to eggs hyperimmunized with either antigen alone.
Increased antibody levels by at least 20% relative to non-hyperimmunized eggs
The hyperimmunized egg exhibits at least a 20% increase in antibody levels to EF-Tu and NetB toxin compared to eggs from non-hyperimmunized animals.
Additional hyperimmunization with other relevant antigens
The hyperimmunized animal may also be immunized with antigens selected from Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, Pyruvate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, and Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin.
Expanded antibody profile including other toxins and parasites
The hyperimmunized egg has increased antibody levels to any of Clostridium perfringens α-toxin, PFO, Eimeria tenella elongation factor 1-alpha, or 3-1E profilin relative to non-hyperimmunized eggs.
Hyperimmunization with a broad panel of antigenic bacteria
The hyperimmunized animal may additionally be hyperimmunized with at least one bacterial antigenic species from a defined group including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus pyogenes types, and others.
Hyperimmunized egg product derived from the hyperimmunized egg
An egg product obtained from the hyperimmunized egg as described, comprising increased specific antibodies.
Animal feed comprising the hyperimmunized egg product
An animal feed composition that includes the hyperimmunized egg product to be administered to avian subjects.
Formulation of the hyperimmunized egg product as an egg powder
The hyperimmunized egg product formulated as a dried egg powder suitable for administration.
Formulation of the hyperimmunized egg product as an aqueous solution
The hyperimmunized egg product formulated as an aqueous solution for administration.
The independent claims cover hyperimmunized eggs with elevated antibodies to EF-Tu and NetB toxin providing synergistic treatment effects for necrotic enteritis, including eggs further hyperimmunized against additional antigens and bacteria; also covered are egg products derived from these eggs and their formulations as feed additives or compositions in powder or solution forms.
Stated Advantages
The hyperimmunized egg product has a higher and more consistent level of antibodies (e.g., IgY antibodies) to specific Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella antigens compared to non-hyperimmunized control egg products.
The combination of antibodies to multiple antigens, such as EF-Tu and NetB toxin, exhibits synergistic effects in reducing necrotic enteritis lesions and improving weight gain in poultry compared to individual antigens alone.
The egg product provides an effective non-antibiotic strategy to control and prevent necrotic enteritis in poultry, addressing the rising need for antibiotic alternatives due to antibiotic resistance and regulatory bans.
Formulations of the hyperimmunized egg product can be incorporated into poultry feed or drinking water, providing a flexible and practical approach for administration in poultry production systems.
Documented Applications
Prevention and treatment of necrotic enteritis in poultry including broiler chickens and turkeys through administration of hyperimmunized egg products containing specific antibodies.
Use as a feed additive or dietary supplement for poultry to improve growth performance and reduce intestinal lesions caused by necrotic enteritis.
Oral administration of hyperimmunized egg products in drinking water or feed to deliver protective antibodies against pathogens causing necrotic enteritis.
Interested in licensing this patent?