Review of the Food-borne Zoonoses Research ... - ARCHIVE: Defra
Review of the Food-borne Zoonoses Research ... - ARCHIVE: Defra
Review of the Food-borne Zoonoses Research ... - ARCHIVE: Defra
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Project code: OZ0327<br />
Project title: Effect <strong>of</strong> immunosuppression associated with point<strong>of</strong>-lay<br />
on Salmonella infection and immunity in laying<br />
hens<br />
Start date (dd/mm/yy): 01/07/06<br />
End date (dd/mm/yy): 20/06/09<br />
£198,000 (<strong>Defra</strong>: £37205; BBSRC: £160795)<br />
Total cost:<br />
Affiliation: Department <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Pathology,<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Liverpool<br />
Abstract <strong>of</strong> research<br />
Previously we have shown that suppression <strong>of</strong> cell-mediated immunity at point-<strong>of</strong>-lay in<br />
hens is a critical factor in reproductive tract infection by Salmonella enterica and<br />
subsequent transmission to eggs. This project will characterise <strong>the</strong> immunolgical<br />
structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> avian reproductive tract, which immunological changes take place at<br />
point-<strong>of</strong>-lay and determine whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>se affect <strong>the</strong> immune response to Salmonella and<br />
in particular whe<strong>the</strong>r suppression <strong>of</strong> immune responses reduce <strong>the</strong> efficacy <strong>of</strong><br />
vaccination, leading to a gap in immune protection. This will be achieved through<br />
investigating changes in cell populations, expression <strong>of</strong> key cytokines and chemokines<br />
and antibody levels. We will assess changes in protection through in vivo challenge<br />
experiments. We will <strong>the</strong>n look at how changes in vaccination or stimulation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
immune system through recombinant cytokines can improve protection and prevent any<br />
gap in immunity.<br />
<strong>Review</strong> summary<br />
<strong>Research</strong> on <strong>the</strong> avian immunological response during <strong>the</strong> point-<strong>of</strong>-lay period, when<br />
salmonella breakdowns tend to occur, should provide valuable information for salmonella<br />
control. The overall plan for <strong>the</strong> work is clearly laid out and <strong>the</strong> researchers are making<br />
good progress towards <strong>the</strong> stated objectives.<br />
If this approach proves to be successful, <strong>the</strong>re will be a need to understand how <strong>the</strong><br />
information can be utilised in <strong>the</strong> field and possible to investigate changes at <strong>the</strong> end-<strong>of</strong>lay<br />
when salmonella breakdowns are also known to occur.<br />
It is appropriate that this work is jointly funded with BBSRC as it may take some years for<br />
results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> work to benefit UK poultry industry.<br />
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