Therapeutic efficacy of chicken egg yolk immunoglobulins against hydropericardium syndrome in broiler chickens

The aim of the present study was to assess the role of passive immunization using immunoglobulins derived from chicken egg yolk in protection against Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) in broilers. Immunoglobulins against HPS virus were produced by egg yolk technology. Three methods viz., Dextran sulphate, Polyethylene glycol and Ammonium sulphate method were compared to purify IgY from egg yolk. AGPT and RID were used for confirmation and quantitation of IgY against HPS virus, respectively. ELISA was used to compare IgY titers in serum and yolk samples at different time intervals. IgY titre in yolk at 14, 21, 28 and 56 days PIm was more than that in serum, however peak titer in egg yolk was at 49 days PIm. Administration of IgY to experimentally infected broiler chickens afforded 86.66% protection. These findings demonstrate that IgY obtained from hens immunized by HPS virus could provide an alternative approach for treatment of Hydropericardium syndrome in broilers.