Document Type : Research article
Authors
1
Immunology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Centre (ARC), Dokki, Giza P.O. 12618, Egypt.
2
Poultry Diseases Diagnosis and Research Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Centre (ARC), Giza P.O. 12618, Egypt.
3
Microbiology and Immunology Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, P.O. 12622, Egypt.
4
Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, P.O. 12622, Egypt.
5
Poultry Diseases Department, Mansoura Lab Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Centre (ARC), 12618, Egypt.
6
Poultry Diseases Department, Benha-Branch Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), 12618, Egypt.
7
Biotechnology Department, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza. P.O. 12618, Egypt.
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease (IBD) continues to pose a considerable risk to poultry health and productivity, especially in areas with elevated poultry production, such as Egypt. This study assessed the immunomodulatory effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation in broiler chickens vaccinated with an intermediate-plus IBDV vaccine and challenged with virulent IBDV. Birds were divided into four groups: negative control (G1), vaccinated only (G2), vaccinated + 2% SP (G3), and vaccinated + 3% SP (G4). The results demonstrated that SP supplementation, especially at a 3% concentration, enhanced immune responses, reduced clinical signs, and mitigated the effects of IBDV. SP-supplemented birds exhibited elevated levels of IFN-γ and proinflammatory cytokines, improved antibody titers, and better cellular immune function, including increased macrophage activity and lysozyme concentration. Moreover, SP reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels and oxidative stress markers, while considerably improving total antioxidant capacity. qRT-PCR revealed that 3% SP supplementation (G4) led to a notable decrease in viral load and shedding. Histopathological findings supported these results, with G3 and G4 showing less severe bursal damage than the vaccinated-only group. These findings suggest that SP can serve as a natural immunostimulant, improving vaccine efficacy, enhancing immune protection, and reducing viral dissemination in broiler chickens. Incorporating SP into poultry diets may offer a promising strategy for controlling IBD in commercial operations.
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