LAUSR

AIM Production of IgY antibodies against CfaB-EtpA-LTB chimeric protein (CEL), and evaluation of its protective effects against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) by in vivo and in vitro investigation. METHODS AND RESULTS Indirect ELISA and immunoblotting methods were applied to assess the immunogenicity and specificity of IgYs also to evaluate the efficacy of IgYs in binding prevention and neutralizing the LT toxin of ETEC bacteria. The results indicated that the anti-CEL IgY in a 2 mg mL-1 concentration could decrease the bacterial adhesion to HT-29 cells by 74% compared to the control group.At the concentration of 750 μg mL-1, the IgY antibody managed to neutralize the disruptive LT toxin effect on the Y1 cell line. At the concentration of 2 mg mL-1, 81% reduction was observed in the fluid accumulation in the ileal loop assay. CONCLUSION According to our findings, passive immunotherapy with anti-CEL IgY can prevent bacterial colonization and toxicity hence control the enteric diseases caused by ETEC infection.