Immunoprophylactic Effects of Administering Honeybee (Apis
melifera) Venom Spray against Salmonella Gallinarum in Broiler Chicks
J Vet Med Sci, 2013 May 30
Antibiotics continue to be used as growth promoters in the
poultry industry. Honeybee (Apis melifera) venom (HBV) possesses a number of
beneficial biological activities, particularly for regulating the immune
system.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
immunoprophylactic effects of HBV against Salmonella Gallinarum in broiler
chicks as an initial step towards developing eco-friendly alternatives to
reduce antibiotic use.
HBV was administered using a spray technique. HBV improved
body weight gain, particularly in the presence of infection. Moreover, HBV
enhanced antibody production activity against formalin-killed S. Gallinarum.
The CD4+:CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio, relative mRNA expression levels of
interleukin-18 and interferon-γ, and serum lysozyme activity also increased
following HBV administration before the infection period as well as during
infection. HBV reinforced bacterial clearance and increased survivability
against S. Gallinarum.
Corresponding pathological analyses demonstrated that the HBV-sprayed
group displayed mild and less severe abnormal changes compared with those in
the control group. It was presumed that the prophylactic effects of HBV against
S. Gallinarum were associated with its non-specific immune response stimulating
activity.
Thus, HBV may provide an alternative to reduce antibiotic
use in the poultry industry.
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