Antibacterial activity of egg yolk antibody (IgY) against Listeria monocytogenes and preliminary evaluation of its potential for food preservation

IgY Antibodies from Birds: A Review on Affinity and Avidity

IgY antibodies are found in the blood and yolk of eggs. Several studies show the feasibility of utilising IgY for immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis. These antibodies have been studied because they fulfil the current needs for reducing, replacing, and improving the use of animals. Affinity and avidity represent the strength of the antigen-antibody interaction and directly influence antibody action. The aim of this review was to examine the factors that influence the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies and the methodologies used to determine these variables. In birds, there are few studies on the maturation of antibody affinity and avidity, and these studies suggest that the use of an adjuvant-type of antigen, the animal lineage, the number of immunisations, and the time interfered with the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies. Regarding the methodologies, most studies use chaotropic agents to determine the avidity index. Studies involving the solution phase and equilibrium titration reactions are also described. These results demonstrate the need for the standardisation of methodologies for the determination of affinity and avidity so that further studies can be performed to optimise the production of high avidity IgY antibodies.

Preclinical evaluation of the polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol electrospun nanofibers containing egg-yolk oil for acceleration of full thickness burns healing

Considering the great potential of egg yolk oil (EYO) in management of burn wounds and superb biological properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), hereby, a PCL-PEG-EYO scaffold was developed by electrospinning method for burn healing. The physico-chemical characterizations were performed using SEM, FTIR and contact angle tests. The biological properties of the fabricated scaffolds were evaluated by antibacterial test, in vitro cell culturing, MTT assay and in vivo experiments. The SEM images of PCL-PEG-EYO nanofibers demonstrated a uniform bead-free morphology with 191 ± 61 nm diameter. The fabricated scaffold revealed hydrophilicity with the water contact angel of 77°. No cytotoxicity was observed up to 7 days after cell culturing onto the PCL-PEG-EYO nanofibrous surface. The presence of EYO in the PCL-PEG-EYO scaffold meaningfully improved the cell viability, proliferation and attachment compared to PCL-PEG scaffold. Moreover, the PCL-PEG-EYO scaffolds demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria strain. Finally, a statistically significant enhancement in wound closure, re-epithelialization, angiogenesis and collagen synthesis was observed at the end of 21-day treatment period using PCL-PEG-EYO nanofibrous scaffold. Overall, the PCL-PEG-EYO nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated a great potential in management of full thickness burn wounds in vivo.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus by using a long-period fiber grating immunosensor coated with egg yolk antibody

The rapid and reliable detection of bacteria plays an important role in clinical and veterinary practice. A stable, label free, compact, and sensitive long-period fiber grating (LPFG) sensor based on egg yolk antibody (IgY) was proposed for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). LPFG was fabricated with laser writing technology, and specific IgY was further immobilized on the grating region and then combined with the corresponding bacteria. S. aureus was detected by tracking the change of resonance wavelength in the LPFG transmission spectrum caused by bacteria-antibody interaction induced by the increase of biological cover thickness and density after the immune reaction. The testing results showed that the proposed sensor was selective and sensitive to S. aureus measurement, and the detection limit is approximately 33 CFU/ml. The proposed antibody immobilization method is very simple, and the optical fiber can be manufactured in batch to reduce the cost. The detection time of the sensor is around 20 min, which is fast and suitable for detection. The assay was successfully applied for the quantitative analysis of S. aureus in natural waters and met the needs of on-site screening trace pathogenic bacteria in food safety control.

Multi-functional magnetic molecular imprinting probe for visual detection of IgY antibodies

Egg yolk antibodies (IgY) are an alternative to mammalian antibodies, which have been successfully applied in treatment of disease, as immunochemical reagents and as food additives. A fast, accurate, and easy-to-operate detection method for IgY antibodies is needed. Herein, we developed a rapid and cost-effective colorimetric assay for the ultrasensitive detection of anti-S. aureus IgY antibodies using multi-functional magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs). The prepared MMIPs can recognize, adsorb, and separate the analyte from the matrix efficiently, and oxidize TMB to generate a colorimetric signal within ~ 60 min. As low as 0.013 mg·mL-1 was able to be detected by using this method. The visual detection limit reached 0.02 mg·mL-1. By testing the IgY in milk samples, the feasibility was verified.

Chicken Egg Yolk Antibody (IgY) Protects Mice Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Infection Through Improving Intestinal Health and Immune Response

Chicken egg yolk antibody (IgY), considered as a potential substitute for antibiotics, has been used for preventing pathogens infection in food, human and animals. This study investigated effects of IgY on growth, adhesion inhibitory and morphology of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 in vitro, and evaluated the protective effects of IgY on intestinal health and immune response of mice infected with ETEC in vivo. Sixty pathogen-free C57BL/6J (4-6 weeks of age) mice were divided into six treatments: control (neither IgY nor ETEC infection), ETEC infection, ETEC-infected mice treated with 250 μL of high-dose (32 mg/mL), medium-dose (16 mg/mL) or low-dose (8 mg/mL) anti-ETEC IgY, or ETEC-infected mice treated with 250 μL of non-specific IgY (16 mg/mL). Anti-ETEC IgY inhibited ETEC growth, reduced adherence of ETEC to intestinal epithelial cells J2 and damaged the morphology and integrity of ETEC cell. Oral administration of anti-ETEC IgY effectively ameliorated ETEC-induced clinical signs, reduced ETEC colonization and intestinal permeability, alleviated inflammatory response through reducing the production and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, improved intestinal morphology, and inhibited excessive activation of the mucosal immune response of challenged mice. The overall protective effects of high-dose and medium-dose anti-ETEC IgY against ETEC infection were more effective. These results suggest that anti-ETEC IgY may function as a promising novel prophylactic agent against enteric pathogens infection.

Effect of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins on serum biochemical profiles and intestinal bacterial populations in early-weaned piglets

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with anti-E. coli, chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY), may affect early weaned piglet (EWP) intestinal functions and enteric micro-organisms. One hundred and forty-eight ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) piglets, weaned at age day 21, were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets for 14 days. Treatment group one (control group) was fed the base diet. Treatment group two (antibiotics group) was fed the base diet which was supplemented with 100 ppm colistin sulphate and 15 ppm enramycin; treatment group three (IgY group) was fed the base diet which was supplemented with 500 mg/kg anti-E. coli IgY. The study evaluated the effects on EWPs of IgY on growth, serum biochemical, inflammatory profiles and also digestion content intestinal bacterial populations. Results showed no significant difference in diarrhoea rates between IgY-fed EWPs and antibiotic-treated EWPs. Serum biochemical analysis showed that EWPs fed an IgY-containing diet had both lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein compared to antibiotic-treated EWPs. Escherichia coli populations measured in IgY-fed EWP ileal contents, compared to the control group, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bifidobacterium populations were unaffected by the IgY treatment. Larger (p < 0.05) Enterococcus populations and lower (p < 0.05) expression levels of heat-stable enterotoxin b (STb) were observed in IgY-fed EWP caecal digesta compared to the control group. Enteric Lactobacillus significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in EWPs fed antibiotics while it was unaffected by IgY treatment. Dietary supplementation with anti-E. coli IgY has the potential to suppress enteric E. coli growth, but not Lactobacillus, Clostridium and Bifidobacterium. This promotes and maintains a healthy EWP intestinal environment. These findings suggest that IgY may be used as an alternative to antibiotics in EWP diets.

Egg yolk antibodies (IgY) and their applications in human and veterinary health: A review

Egg yolk constitutes a relevant alternative source of antibodies. It presents some advantages over mammalian serum immunoglobulins regarding productivity, animal welfare and specificity. The main immunoglobulin present in avian blood (IgY) is transmitted to their offspring and accumulates in egg yolks, which enables the non-invasive harvesting of high amounts of antibodies. Moreover, due to structural differences and phylogenetic distance, IgY is more suitable for diagnostic purposes than mammalian antibodies, since it does not react with certain components of the human immune system and displays greater avidity for mammalian conserved proteins. IgY has been extensively used in health researches, as both therapeutic and diagnostic tool. This article aims to review its applications in both human and veterinary health.

Extraction of specific egg yolk antibodies and application in chitosan coating: effect on microbial and sensory properties of rainbow trout fillet during chilled storage

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the effect of chitosan coating enriched with extracted egg yolk antibodies on microbial and sensory quality of rainbow trout fillet during refrigeration (4 ± 1 °C). Firstly, bacterial antigen suspensions (total psychrophilic bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Shewanella putrefaciens) were injected into the breast muscles of chickens. Eggs of immunized chickens were then collected to isolate immunoglobulin from egg yolks (IgY). Fresh fish fillets were coated by chitosan solution containing different types of IgY separately, at two concentrations (60 and 90 mg mL^-1 ), refrigerated for 16 days and analysed for total viable count, psychrotrophic, Pseudomonas spp., P. fluorescens and S. putrefaciens count as well as sensorial properties.

RESULTS

The tested microbial values increased in all samples during the storage period; however, CH + IgY treated samples could significantly retard microbial growth compared to control. The shelf life of CH + IgY-P samples was extended for about 4 days, while it was extended for about 8 days in CH + IgY-S and CH + IgY-T samples, when they were compared to control (p < 0.05). Higher scores for sensory attributes were also observed in CH + IgY treated samples, especially in CH + IgY-S samples until the end of storage period.

CONCLUSIONS

Accordingly, use of chitosan coating containing IgY increases the microbial and sensory quality of fish flesh at 4 °C. Therefore, given the consumer interest in natural additives, chitosan coating containing IgY can be a promising candidate. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The preparation and antibacterial effect of egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) against the outer membrane proteins of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

BACKGROUND

Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes not only various diseases in aquaculture animals but also seafood-borne illness in humans. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are species-specific proteins found in bilayer membranes of gram-negative bacteria. Egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) has been reported to serve as oral administration of antibodies against bacteria and virus.

RESULTS

The present research extracted and identified OMPs from V. parahaemolyticus, and then the extracted OMPs were used to immunize hens to obtain specific IgY. The efficacy of IgY against V. parahaemolyticus were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The specific IgY effectively inhibited the growth of V. parahaemolyticus in liquid medium rather than Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Specific IgY antibodies were incorporated into extruded food pellets and fed to bacteria-challenged white pacific shrimp to observe the anti-bacterial effect in vivo. The bacterial loads in muscles of V. parahaemolyticus infected shrimp fed with specific IgY-included diets were significantly fewer than those fed with non-specific IgY-included diets. The superoxide dismutase activities in muscles of infected shrimp fed with specific IgY-included diets were significantly higher than the control group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that the specific IgY effectively inhibited the growth of V. parahaemolyticus and introduced passive immunity to shrimp. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Listeriosis in animals, its public health significance (food-borne zoonosis) and advances in diagnosis and control: a comprehensive review

Listeriosis is an infectious and fatal disease of animals, birds, fish, crustaceans and humans. It is an important food-borne zoonosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes, an intracellular pathogen with unique potential to spread from cell to cell, thereby crossing blood-brain, intestinal and placental barriers. The organism possesses a pile of virulence factors that help to infect the host and evade from host immune machinery. Though disease occurrence is sporadic throughout the world, it can result in severe damage during an outbreak. Listeriosis is characterized by septicaemia, encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, abortion, stillbirth, perinatal infections and gastroenteritis with the incubation period varying with the form of infection. L. monocytogenes has been isolated worldwide from humans, animals, poultry, environmental sources like soil, river, decaying plants, and food sources like milk, meat and their products, seafood and vegetables. Since appropriate vaccines are not available and infection is mainly transmitted through foods in humans and animals, hygienic practices can prevent its spread. The present review describes etiology, epidemiology, transmission, clinical signs, post-mortem lesions, pathogenesis, public health significance, and advances in diagnosis, vaccines and treatment of this disease. Special attention has been given to novel as well as prospective emerging therapies that include bacteriophage and cytokine therapy, avian egg yolk antibodies and herbal therapy. Various vaccines, including advances in recombinant and DNA vaccines and their modes of eliciting immune response, are also discussed. Due focus has also been given regarding appropriate prevention and control strategies to be adapted for better management of this zoonotic disease.

Passive protective effect of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins against experimental Vibrio anguillarum infection in ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis)

Oral administration of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) has attracted much attention as a means for controlling infectious diseases caused by microorganisms. This study evaluated the protective effect of IgY against Vibrio anguillarum infection in ayu, Plecoglossus altivelis. IgY was isolated from egg yolks laid by hens initially immunized with formalin-inactivated V. anguillarum. Lower mortality of ayu was observed in groups treated with anti-V. anguillarum IgY (aVIgY), compared with those treated with saline or with nonspecific IgY (nspIgY). All fish in saline-treated groups died within seven days after bacterial inoculation. The bacterial load in blood, liver, and spleen was significantly lower in fish treated with aVIgY than in fish treated with nspIgY. aVIgY treatment significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (PaTNF-α), interleukin-1β (PaIL-1β), transforming growth factor-β (PaTGF-β), and leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (PaLECT2) transcript levels in the head kidney, spleen, and liver of ayu challenged by V. anguillarum, compared with nspIgY treatment. The phagocytic activity of macrophages for V. anguillarum in the presence of specific IgY was significantly higher than that seen for nonspecific IgY. These results suggest that passive immunization by oral intubation with pathogen-specific IgY may provide a valuable treatment for V. anguillarum infection in ayu.

Serum GlcNAc-binding IgM of fugu (Takifugu rubripes) suppresses the growth of fish pathogenic bacteria: a novel function of teleost antibody

N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) is one of the components of peptidoglycan, a biopolymer in the bacterial cell wall. We purified a novel GlcNAc-binding protein, designated as fGBP-78, from sera of fugu (Takifugu rubripes). The fGBP-78 is a heteromer of 78- and 25-kDa subunits. Moreover, fGBP-78 exerted remarkable inhibitory effects on the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including ones virulent for marine fish species as well as non-pathogenic Escherichia coli. These results suggest that fGBP-78 contributes to bacterial clearance in fugu. Furthermore, the nanoLC-MS/MS and Western blotting analyses reveal that the 78-kDa subunit is the fugu IgM heavy chain. In addition, the molecular mass of the other subunit (25 kDa) was equal to that of the Ig light chain. Overall, results indicate that fGBP-78 is an IgM molecule presumably acts as a natural antibody. This paper reports a novel function of teleost IgM as a significant suppresser against bacterial growth.

Effectiveness of egg yolk antibody against shiga toxin II variant toxicity in vitro and in vivo

We prepared anti-Shiga toxin II variant (Stx2e) and anti-Stx2e B antibodies in chicken egg yolk and investigated their effectiveness in vitro and in vivo. Both Egg yolk antibodies (IgY) reduced the cytotoxic effects of Stx2e to Vero cells. The protective efficacy of anti-Stx2e IgY and anti-Stx2e B IgY was investigated in clean Kunming mice, which were experimentally induced with Stx2e. Peritoneal injection of anti-Stx2e IgY and anti-Stx2e B IgY apparently reduced the lethal effect of Stx2e to mice. These results indicate that both anti-Stx2e IgY and anti-Stx2e B IgY could protect mice from Stx2e challenge. Therefore, anti-Stx2e IgY or anti-Stx2e B IgY might be considered as potential candidate for therapeutics for porcine edema disease.

Avian IgY antibodies and their recombinant equivalents in research, diagnostics and therapy

The generation and use of avian antibodies is of increasing interest in a wide variety of applications within the life sciences. Due to their phylogenetic distance, mechanisms of immune diversification and the way in which they deposit IgY immunoglobulin in the egg yolk, chickens provide a number of advantages compared to mammals as hosts for immunization. These advantages include: the one-step purification of antibodies from egg yolk in large amounts facilitates having a virtually continuous supply; the epitope spectrum of avian antibodies potentially grants access to novel specificities; the broad absence of cross-reactivity with mammalian epitopes avoids assay interference and improves the performance of immunological techniques. The polyclonal nature of IgY antibodies has limited their use since avian hybridoma techniques are not well established. Recombinant IgY, however, can be generated from mammalian monoclonal antibodies which makes it possible to further exploit the advantageous properties of the IgY scaffold. Moreover, cloning and selecting the immune repertoire from avian organisms is highly efficient, yielding antigen-specific antibody fragments. The recombinant approach is well suited to circumvent any limitations of polyclonal antibodies. This review presents comprehensive information on the generation, purification, modification and applications of polyclonal and monoclonal IgY antibodies.

Effects of specific egg yolk antibody (IgY) on the quality and shelf life of refrigerated Paralichthys olivaceus

BACKGROUND

The spoilage of fishery food has been attributed to limited types of microorganisms called specific spoilage organisms (SSO). Unlike traditional food-preserving techniques which usually exploit broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, here, based on the specific antimicrobial activity of egg yolk antibodies (IgY) against two SSO in refrigerated fish (Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens), a novel strategy for fish preservation was suggested and evaluated.

RESULTS

During storage of Paralichthys olivaceus fillets at 4 ± 1 °C, the bacteria growth (including total microorganisms and the two SSO) in test groups was significantly inhibited in comparison to that of controls (P < 0.05). This antibacterial activity of the specific IgY was also confirmed by chemical analysis (pH, total volatile base nitrogen and 2-thiobarbituric acid value) and sensory evaluation, and the shelf life of samples was extended approximately from 9 days to 12-15 days in the presence of the specific IgY.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated a significant antimicrobial activity of the anti-SSO IgY for refrigerated fish products, which allowed us to suggest its potential as a bio-preservative for seafood.

Production and Characterization of Egg Yolk Antibodies (Igy) against Two Specific Spoilage Organisms (SSO) in Aquatic Products

Using whole cells as antigens, specific egg yolk antibodies (IgY) were generated respectively against Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens, two important spoilage bacteria in aquatic products. The obtained IgY exhibited a high and specific affinity to corresponding antigen bacteria. A concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity of the specific IgY was observed in liquid medium. Compared to control groups, the cell number of S. putrefaciens and P. fluorescens was reduced approximately 84.7% and 88.1%, respectively, in the presence of specific IgY (contain salts) at a concentration of 200 mg/mL after 8 h of incubation. Similar growth inhibitory effects were also observed in solid medium, in which the inhibition ratio was calculated as 52.8% and 62.5% for S. putrefaciens and P. fluorescens, respectively, in the presence of specific IgY at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. These results indicated a great potential of specific IgY as a safe and natural antimicrobial agent for aquatic food preservations.