Efficacy evaluation of anti-DEC-IgY against antibiotic-resistant diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli

The rise of multi-drug-resistant bacteria poses a global threat. In 2017, the World Health Organization identified 12 antibiotic-resistant 'priority pathogens', including Enterobacteriaceae, highlighting the menace of Gram-negative bacteria. Diarrhoeagenic (DEC)-induced diarrhoea is particularly problematic for travellers and infants. In contrast to other antibiotic alternatives, passive immunotherapy is showing promise by providing immediate and precise protection. However, mammalian-sourced antibodies are costly, hindering large-scale production. Egg-laying chicken-derived IgY antibodies present a cost-effective, high-yield solution, revolutionizing antibody-based therapeutics compared to mammalian IgG. This study hypothesized that developing anti-DEC-IgY could combat DEC infections effectively. The primary aim was to develop anti-DEC-IgY and assess its potential in DEC-induced diarrhoeal management. Chickens were immunized with DEC antigens to induce an immune response. IgY antibodies were extracted from immune eggs and purified using ion-exchange column chromatography. Anti-DEC-IgY's ability to inhibit DEC growth was evaluated through growth inhibition assays. Anti-DEC-IgY's capacity to prevent adhesion was assessed using mice intestinal mucosa. experiments measured pathogen colonization reduction and infection severity reduction. values were calculated to confirm statistical significance. The antibacterial efficacy of anti-DEC-IgY by growth inhibition assay demonstrated that 25 mg ml of IgY could inhibit the DEC growth. The anti-adherence-property was tested using mice intestinal mucosa and found that anti-DEC-IgY could prevent the adhesion. results suggest that 12 mg ml of IgY will reduce the pathogen colonization in intestine and reduce the severity of the infection. The values between the experimental groups confirm the statistical significance of the findings. The study findings suggest that IgY-based passive immunotherapy could be a potential strategy for managing the risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Additionally, this study paves the way for the development of IgY-related research and applications in India.