Evaluation of Escherichia coli outer membrane protein EtsC as a candidate antigen for vaccine against Avian Pathogenic E. coli infections in chickens

Abstract

<p>With the average American consuming 26 chickens per year, poultry is in high demand. Avian related infectious disease is rising and bacteria pose serious concerns for the health of livestock and possess zoonotic potential. The goal of the study is to evaluate surface protein EtsC highly prevalent among Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC), as a vaccine antigen candidate against these pathogens in chickens. The objective of this study is to determine antibody response in chickens vaccinated with the EtsC recombinant antigen. Eighteen 4 day-old White Leghorns (N=9/group) were subcutaneously vaccinated twice at two-week interval with PBS (control) or 50μg of EtsC containing CpG adjuvant. On day 33, blood serum was collected, and then used in an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibody response against EtsC and samples were run in duplicate. Preliminary results show that EtsC elicited antibodies in vaccinated chickens. The stimulation of the immune response may provide protection against APEC. Commercial use of this vaccine would be beneficial for livestock, ultimately reducing the number of chickens lost to the disease. To evaluate broad protection ability of the vaccine, we will use in vitro studies to test bactericidal ability of sera and splenocytes against multiple APEC serotypes.</p>