Effects of Egg Yolk Antibodies Produced in Response to Different Antigenic Fractions of E. coli O157:H7 on E. coli Suppression

The objective of this research was to provide the characterization and method for producing anti-E. coli O157:H7 antibodies in egg-laying hens and to determine if the antibody can restrain the proliferation of E. coli O157:H7 in-vitro. Selected antigenic fractions (whole cell, outer membrane protein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) from E. coli O157:H7 were injected to hens in order to produce anti-E. coli O157:H7 antibodies. The immune response and the egg yolk antibodies of laying hens against the whole cell, outer membrane protein and LPS antigens were monitored by ELISA. The level of antibodies against whole cell antigen monitored through ELISA sharply increased after the initial immunization, and it was found to be maximum on day 49 however, the level was maintained up to day 70. Antibodies (5 mg/ml) directed against the whole cell inhibited E. coli proliferation 10-13 times more than outer membrane protein or LPS. The antibody response against the whole cell antigens appeared to have higher activity in restraining the proliferation of E. coli O157:H7 than antibody against outer membrane protein or LPS. Results reflected that increasing the IgY’s in the egg yolk could prevent greater economic losses due to human and animal health from pathogenic bacteria i.e. E. coli O157:H7. (