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-11230590-B2
Publication Date
2022-01-25
Expiration Date
2038-02-13
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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 worldwide that leads to severe economic losses due to mortality and decreased growth performance. The removal of antibiotic growth promoters and the development of antibiotic resistance have increased the incidence of NE, necessitating efficient non-antibiotic strategies for its control.
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 including 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 egg-producing animals, preferably avians such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, or geese, with one or more of these antigens, antigenic bacteria, or genetic vaccines encoding such antigens. The resultant eggs contain elevated levels of specific antibodies (IgY) by at least 20%, often substantially higher, compared to eggs from non-hyperimmunized animals. The hyperimmunized egg product may be formulated as powders, concentrates, microparticles, or nanoparticles, and can be administered orally, for example via feed or drinking water, to prevent or treat necrotic enteritis and associated symptoms including lesion formation and weight loss in poultry.
Claims Coverage
The claims present nine inventive features focused on hyperimmunized eggs and related products for controlling necrotic enteritis in poultry.
Hyperimmunized egg with increased antibody level to specific antigens
A hyperimmunized egg produced by an animal hyperimmunized with at least one isolated antigen selected from the group consisting of 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, wherein the egg comprises an increased level of antibody to at least one antigen by at least 500% relative to an egg from an animal not hyperimmunized.
Increased antibody levels to specific Clostridium antigens
The hyperimmunized egg shows increased levels of antibodies to Clostridium perfringens elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and necrotic enteritis B-like (NetB) toxin relative to non-hyperimmunized eggs.
Hyperimmunization including Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin
The hyperimmunized animal may also be hyperimmunized with Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin, resulting in increased antibody levels to this antigen in the egg.
Elevated antibodies to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin in eggs
The hyperimmunized egg comprises an increased level of antibodies to Eimeria tenella 3-1E profilin relative to non-hyperimmunized eggs.
Hyperimmunization with antigenic bacteria
The hyperimmunized animal can also be immunized with antigens from a broad group of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella, Streptococcus types, and others.
Hyperimmunized egg product
An egg product obtained from the hyperimmunized egg containing elevated antibodies as described.
Animal feed comprising hyperimmunized egg product
An animal feed composition comprising the hyperimmunized egg product to provide preventive or therapeutic benefit against necrotic enteritis.
Formulation of hyperimmunized egg product as egg powder
The hyperimmunized egg product can be formulated as an egg powder.
Formulation of hyperimmunized egg product as aqueous solution
The hyperimmunized egg product can also be formulated as an aqueous solution for administration.
The claims collectively cover hyperimmunized eggs and products with elevated antibodies against key Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria tenella antigens, optionally including bacterial antigens, and their use in animal feeds and formulations for treatment or prevention of necrotic enteritis in poultry.
Stated Advantages
Provides a non-antibiotic method to prevent or treat necrotic enteritis in poultry.
Delivers elevated and consistent levels of specific IgY antibodies compared to control eggs.
Synergistic effects observed with combinations of antibodies to multiple antigens resulting in reduced lesion scores and improved weight gain.
Can be formulated in various forms including powders, concentrates, microparticles, or nanoparticles for flexible administration.
Safe and natural food ingredients, non-toxic for oral administration in poultry.
Documented Applications
Prevention or treatment of necrotic enteritis in poultry such as chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, quail, pigeons, and ostriches by administering hyperimmunized egg products.
Use as an additive in animal feed or drinking water to provide passive immunity against Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria infections.
Use in formulations such as egg powder, aqueous concentrates, microparticles, or nanoparticles for delivering antibodies to poultry.
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