Reduction of mortality in specific-pathogen-free layer chickens by a caprine serum fraction after infection with Pasteurella multocida

Abstract

Caprine serum was fractionated by size, and its proteinaceous material <8,000 Da [caprine serum fraction immunomodulator 2 (CSF-I2)] was evaluated for its ability to impart immunoresistance to specific-pathogen-free (SPF) layer chickens. The SPF layers were challenged with 18 to 30 cfu of Pasteurella multocida X-73 (serotype 1) at 5 wk of age. A high degree of mortality was apparent 24 and 48 h later (62+/-14% and 88+/-7%, respectively). Mortality observed after 48 h was minimal. Noting the rapid onset of mortality, we administered CSF-I2 (material that expressed no direct antimicrobial activity but was believed to be an immunostimulant) 1 d before challenge and coincident to time of challenge. The group of birds that received CSF-I2 (either 5 or 10 mg per administration) expressed significant reduction in mortality throughout the 1-wk study period. Reduction in mortality appeared to be dose dependent. Birds that received two administrations of 10 mg CSF-I2 had significantly fewer deaths than did the group of birds that received half that amount. No deaths were recorded through 24 h, whereas, at 48 h, the percentage mortality was 13 in CSF-I2-treated birds. This study demonstrates that one or more small molecular weight compounds isolated from caprine serum were able to reduce mortality in SPF layers infected with Pasteurella multocida.

Reducing Mortality in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium-Infected Mice with a Tripeptidic Serum Fraction

“…Caprine serum was fractionated to isolate its complement of peptides. An isolate containing three peptides, tripeptidic immunostimulant (TPI), proved to have no bactericidal activity but significantly improved the rate of survival of chickens infected with Pasteurella multocida (9). In this study, we developed a model to help characterize the prophylactic benefit of the TPI preparation in mice.…”

An innate immune regulatory factor (IIRF) prevents tumorogenesis in a murine melanoma challenge model

“…The basis for this conclusion is that asialo-GM1 depletes more than 95% of the NK cell activity. Even though some antigen activated CD4þ and CD8þ T-cells could also be depleted by anti-asialo-GM1 in addition to NK cells [Slifka et al, 2000], IIRF had previously been shown to have no effect on CD4þ/CD8þ T-cell levels [Willeford et al, 2000].…”

“…Previous studies with IIRF demonstrated an ability to protect against lethal bacterial challenges such as Salmonella typhimurium [Parker et al, 2002] and Pasteurella multocida [Willeford et al, 2000]. IIRF was most effective when given 24 h prior to challenge.…”

“…In a recent study, Willeford et al [2000] established that a fraction of caprine serum, substantially free of immunoglobulins, improved the survival of chickens infected with Pasteurella multocida when given 24 h prior to the bacterial challenge. Similar results were noted by Parker et al [2002] in mice challenged with Salmonella typhimurium.…”

Prophylactic effects of caprine serum factor (CSF‐I) in mice infected with Salmonella typhimurium

“…Defensins could easily be concentrated during the ammonium sulfate fractionation procedure used to manufacture CSF-I. Caprine serum and the large (≥10 kDa) and small (≤10 kDa) molecular weight material fractionated from it by size filtration were screened for bactericidal activity against a series of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including S. typhimurium using disk agar diffusion assays [Willeford et al, 2000]. Bactericidal activity was not found in any of these products and therefore it is logical to conclude that CSF-I did not promote its prophylactic benefit through a typical defensin-like action.…”