Sudhanya Nath ,Aravindkumar K.

1Department of Animal Nutrition,West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences,Kolkata,West Bengal,India.2Department B.V.Sc.&A.H.Student,Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research,Puducherry,India.

Abstract A hyperimmune egg is an egg from a hen that has been immunise against a specific infectious disease.Antibodies against various illnesses are developed by the hen and these antibodies are transferred to the eggs of the hen.Such egg yolks with antibodies are extracted to be used as medication.It can be used both animal and human health practices.Though there is no clear scientific evidence to support their use in human medicine,Hyperimmune eggs are said to be useful in case of digestive system infections such as cystic fibrosis and its later stage ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori,they are also used to confer immunity against rota viruses causing diarrhoea and other diseases related to it in animals.All these actions are achieved by the fact that they stimulate theimmune system passively to fight against the diseases.

Keywords:hen;hyperimmnune egg;antibodies

Highlights

Inactiveorganismsused in multivalentvaccinesare generally theones that cause disease,typically of human intestinal origin,to give neutralisation and gastro-protection againstorally introduced infectious pathogens.This technique resulted in the synthesis of polyclonal IgY immunoglobulins.Immune eggs contain significantimmune regulatory factors in addition to producing immunoglobulins.Thesebioactive compounds operateas intercellular"communicator"signals that regulatea number of immunological,hormonal,and metabolic processes,similar to cytokines.The ability of these bioactivemolecules to govern the physicalstates of the host,including the immunological,cardio-vascular,and gastrointestinalsystems demonstratestheir broad influence.

Tradition

In 19thcentury the developmentof human gamma globulin preparations to deliver antibodiesto individuals with congenital antibody deficits began and developed a wayto separateantibodies from human plasma that could be safely injected into people.Decades ago,researchersin immunology began looking at the potential health benefits to humans from consuming thehyperimmunised food items produced fromthe milch animals and egg laying birds.Plant science researchers realisedthata particular egg laying birdcan be immunised against many pathogens that affecthumanssimultaneously.This results in the production of IgY immuno-glogublins in the bird.Theseare then transferredto the yolk in the egg in a similar process as IgY immunoglobulins of humans aretransferred through placenta.Thusa present-day food,the"hyperimmuneegg”wasborn as a result of this research.

Background

The antibodies in the yolks of the eggs have received little recognition as a feasible replacement to Antibiotic Growth Promoter (AGP) in increasing poultry growth and feed efficiency.Earlier research centred on the production of antibodies in the eggs of chickens which might be passed down to the young ones and increase the yield [1].Urease antibodies passed down from mothers to their offspring were thought to reduce ammonia generation in the intestine by blocking the bacterial urease enzyme and promoting growth.Later research studies including the feed with antibiotics that can be fed to boost the production or promote immunity of the host were done as IgY technology progressed [2].In majority of the studies,the antibodies that regulated the immunity and growth by opposing the agents that hamper it were used.The release of Interleukin 1 formedin case of inflammation is thought to cause anorexia which was because of the neuropeptides like Y neuropeptide,cholecystokinin (CCK) released into the gastrointestinal system that led to anorexia and muscular atrophy [3].The weight of the body and efficiency of feed conversion were enhanced in the chicks that were fed for 21 days with the yolk with antibodies that was produced against various neuropeptides.The efficiency of feed conversion in chicks were enhanced to 13 points in chicks that were fed with the diets supplemented with powder of the egg containing various antibodies related to CCK at a level of 0.25 g per kg,when compared to the chicks that were given powder of eggs that had no antibodies.Feeding of chicks with egg yolk in dry powdered from the chickens that are vaccinated with Y neuropeptide vaccine or from minimising the hens that are unvaccinated in a series of trials that yielded similar outcomes.When compared to controls,weight gain and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) improved by 9% and 8%,respectively,at 3 weeks of age.Supplementing broiler for 21 days with egg yolk antibodies which has agents opposing phospholipase A2(produces eicosanoid) increased the averagegain in body weight by 5.3 percent and efficiency of feed conversion by 6.1 percent [1].

Introduction

In recent years,there has been a rise in the quest for alternative items or approaches for Antibiotic Growth Promoter (AGP) replacer.Following repeated immunisation of laying hens against one or more antigens,particularly human pathogens,there is a production of antibodies against the pathogens in the eggs produced by such birds.In addition to these antibodies,various cofactors with lower molecular weight are also produced in the eggs.These support and enhance the immune response.The hen concentrates the developed antibodies and immunological cofactors into the egg yolk for the sustenance and survival of the growing chick.The egg of a non‑hyperimmune hen provides high‑density nourishment as well as passive immunity in the form of antibodies and less specific cofactors that boost the chick's immune system.The eggs laid by a hyperimmune hen provide a highly concentrated amount of particular antibodies and cofactors that support the immune functions,provides immunity to the chick passively or people consuming the egg[4].Antibiotic alternatives have been the subject of a lot of study in order to keep or enhance in field of poultry products.Passive immunisation with antibodies for specific pathogen in the yolk of the egg (IgY) is emerging as a potential replacement to drugs for treatment and prevention of a variety of man and animal diseases.Egg yolks serve as a good source of polyclonal antibodies that can be produced in a safe manner.Only a small amount of study has been done in terms of utilisation of the antibodies in the egg yolk as feasible replacement to AGP in increasing chicken development and efficiency of feed conversion[5].The transfer of humoral antibodies against specific pathogens in the form of active particles from one person to another is the goal of passive vaccination,It is achieved either by using live or killed vaccine or with the components generated from pathogens,as an account of this hyperimmune egg yolk are said to be used to prevent coccidiosis in birds[6].Campylobacter is found in more than 50% of the poultry meat sold throughout the world.However,there was no effective controls measure or medicine to minimise the infections related to Campylobacter in the production of broiler chickens.When one chicken is infected by Campylobacter,then the entire flock will be infected within 7 days because of the fast spreading nature of the infection.But it is found that the passive immunity conferred by the hyperimmune egg yolk is shown to control bacterial zoonotic disease such as Campylobacter infections[7].Chicks that have been passively immunised with IgY antibodies form the hyperimmunised eggs have shown to be highly resistant to parasitic diseases caused byEimeria maximaandEimeriatenella.When extract of hyperimmunised egg yolkis incorporated in the diet of the broiler chicks,it was found that even when the chicks were orally infected with the oocyst of Eimeria species at an age of 1 week,the chicks stillshowed considerable increase in the weight of the body (P 0.04) than the chicks that were not given this diet [8].

Background of Hyperimmune eggs

Antibodies found in eggs produced from hyperimmunised henswerefound to boost the immune system and aid in disease prevention.The schematic diagram for production of hyperimmunized egg is given in Figure 1.The majority of hyperimmune egg research is funded by the manufacturers of particular merchandise.Egcel,a hyperimmune egg extract,is an unique ingredient in these products.This was created by inoculating chickens with at least 24 attenuated microorganisms,includingShigella dysenteriae,Staphylococcus simulans,S.Epidermidis,E.coli,Salmonella typhimurium,S.enteritidis,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Haemophilus influenzae,and at least six Streptococcus organisms.All these components as a whole stimulates the body to produce resistance the diseases [9].

Figure 1 Schematic diagram for production of Hyperimmunized Egg

Uses

a.New castle disease (ND) and Cystic fibrosis arediseases that affect the lungs.Using hyperimmune eggs from chickens inoculated with thePseudomonas aeruginosabacteria and hyper immune sera for ND virus were able to control the amount of times the disease is identified in the saliva,according to preliminary studies [10].The table1 mentioned below shows the competence of hyperimmune egg in various poultry diseases.

b.Osteoarthritis can be controlled after consuming a special hyperimmune egg product for two months,some persons with osteoarthritis reported less joint discomfort or oedema [11].

c.It can be used to control cardiovascular diseases.According to animal research,taking "hyperimmune egg" on a regular basis may minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease.A group of having high levels of cholesterol which was greater than 185 mg/dl were engaged in a study,they were made to take a drink made of eggs from a hyperimmunised hen for 26.It was found that hyperimmune eggs may alter the control of serum lipoprotein levels in a positive way,lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease [12].

d.It can be used to controlcoccidiosis in birds.The Coccidiosis protective mechanism that gives immunity to the birdswas extensively researchedaround the world.Early study found that cell ‑ mediated immune is necessary for Eimeria protection,whereas humoral immunity only plays a minor impact in infection resistance.[8].

e.Hyperimmune egg yolk semen extender was used to inactivate herpesvirus affecting cattle (BHV‑1) in experimentally infected bovine semen.Tissue culture revealed that up to 103 Tissue Culture Infectious Dose (TCID) per 50/ml of virus in the semen was destroyed.Furthermore,when compared to standard egg yolk semen extenders,the semen extender produced from the hyperimmunised egg had zero negative impact upon the quality of the semen after freezing/thawing [13].

f.In young broilers,an experiment was conducted to findthe influence of hyperimmuneegg antibody generated from the hyperimmunized chickens with oocysts of various Eimeriaorganisms and it was found that they can control coccidiosis in chicks[6].

g.It can be used to control Campylobacter strains such asC.jejuniandC.coliin chicks [7].

h.The standard of life of the HIV/AIDS patients can be improved using hyperimmune eggs[14].

Precautions for Human use

There is insufficient evidence to say whether eggs from hyperimmunised hens are safe to use during pregnancy or lactating.A better option is to avoid using it at those times.It is considered safe to give hyperimmunised eggs for four days to children within two years of age.Hyperimmune eggs are made from chicken eggs.According to some experts Hyperimmune egg products can also cause allergic reactions in patients who are allergic to chicken eggs [15].

Substitute AGP-resistance approaches in animal farming

Probiotic bacteria,organic acids,phytogenics,prebiotics,synbiotics,enzymes,antimicrobial peptides,hyperimmune egg antibodies,bacteriophages,clay,and metals are among the antibiotic choices available to increase animal performance,efficiency of poultry and help the pigs to achieve its genetic potential under commercial conditions [16].Feeding of Hyperimmune eggs as a part of poultry diet results in enhanced immunoglobulin tiers;decreases faecal matter shedding and Salmonella enteritis in the intestines;decreased Salmonella contamination in eggs [17].Immunoglobulins can be made in large amounts in laying chickens and extracted non‑invasively.Its use is much less damaging to the environment,less poisonous,and will not breed resistance.Even though the preliminary findings appeared promising,more study on the use of egg antibodies for avian growth promotion is required [18].

Table 1 Competence of Hyperimmune Egg in Various Poultry Diseases

Conclusion

Subjectively,including hyperimmune egg powder in the daily meal will improve the digestive health.Still,regardless of treatment method,it’s unsure whether the people's recoveries are due to the hyperimmune egg powder or a psychological reaction to doctor contact.This research should be carried out on a wider scale to get a better understanding.A lot of factors,including the user's age,health,and other situations,go into determining the proper dosage of hyperimmune egg.Antibodies from egg yolks provide a number of advantages.Antibodies can be made in large amounts and collected non‑invasively in laying hens.They are less harmful,environmentally friendly,and do not select for resistance.Although the preliminary findings appeared promising,much more research on the use of egg antibodies to promote chicken growth is required.For hyperimmune eggs,there is currently inadequate scientific information to determine an appropriate dose range.Always remember that natural compounds aren't always safe,and that proper dose is essential.