Author(s): SILVA, M. C. da; SCHAEFER, R.; GAVA, D.; SOUZA, C. K.; VENANCIO, E. J.

Summary: Introduction and objectives: Influenza is a disease caused by infection of the host respiratory tract by influenza type A virus that affects a wide variety of species, including human, swine, equine, poultry and sea mammals. The viral RNA is encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (NP), which is a highly conserved protein among influenza A viruses. Detection of influenza virus can be accomplished by assessing specific immune response to the virus, by direct detection of viral RNA or virus antigen in infected tissues. Some diagnostic tests use antibodies produced in mammals to influenza virus detection. However, due to high cost and concerns related to animal welfare, alternative production of antibodies in mammals has been described. The immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is a class of antibodies in poultry that is transferred to the egg yolk. These antibodies are easy to obtain from eggs and their use has been described for immunotherapy, immunodiagnosis and research. The objective of this study was to produce IgY antibodies anti-NP in laying hens immunized with influenza A virus NP, and to evaluate the purified IgY antibodies in influenza virus detection.

Publication year: 2017

Types of publication: Abstract in annals or event proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Swine & Poultry

Keywords: IgY, Imunocitoquímica, Imunologia, Sanidade animal, Virologia, immunoglobulin Y, influenza