Immunostimulatory Effect of Ivermectin on Macrophage Engulfment and Delayed Type Hypersensitivity in Broilers

Some studies show that ivermectin enhances the immune response in human and animals. An experimental model of broiler chickens was designed and developed using ivermectin to evaluate its immunomodulatory response at different doses. Experiment was done on macrophage engulfment percentage and the skin thickness in the broilers. They were divided into six major groups A through F, having ten broilers in each group. Groups B, C, D, E and F were given ivermectin at the dose rate of 0.15, 0.3, 1, 3 and 5 mg/kg body weights of birds, respectively. Whereas group A was kept as control i-e without ivermectin. Macrophage engulfment percentage, in terms of phagocytosis was significantly high in groups E and F. The mean skin thickness values in broilers of Group F (Highly medicated) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in broilers of all the groups. Skin sensitivity at 24 hrs. and 48 hrs. was highest in the broilers administered with 5 mg/kg body weight (the highest dose) of ivermectin. Our study indicated that immunostimulatory effect of ivermectin can also be achieved in broilers for the treatment of viral/bacterial disease problems with immunosuppression.