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Stimulation of the Innate Immune System of Neonatal Chicks Against a Lethal Challenge of E. Coli  by In Ovo Delivery of Oligonucleotides Containing CpG Motifs (CpG ODN)

 Susantha Gomis¹, Lorne Babiuk², Edwin Waters³, Philip Willson² , Brenda Allan² , Rolf Hecker⁴, and Andrew Potter².

Oligonucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG-ODN) have been shown to be effective immunoprotective agents in murine models. The objective of this study was to study the immunoperotective effect of CpG-ODN in neonatal broilers. CpG-ODN was delivered by the in ovo route at day 18 of incubation. Fifty μg of CpG-ODN or saline was administered at day 18 of incubation and new born chicks were challenged with a lethal dose of E. coli. The control group of birds that received no CpG-ODN had a survival rate of 10%. In contrast, groups that received CpG-ODN by in ovo route had a significantly higher survival rate of 60% (p<0.01). This study demonstrated that in ovo delivery of CpG-ODN has an immunoprotective effect against E. coli septicemia in neonatal chicks.   

¹Dept. of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.

² Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, SK. Canada S7N 5E3.

³ Prairie Diagnostic Services, 52, Campus Dr. Saskatoon, SK. S7N 5B4.

⁴ Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany

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Last modified: 5/28/2009