Investigation the production rate of anti-Streptococcus mutans immunoglobulin Y in serum and egg yolk of hens

Abstract

<strong>ntroduction: </strong><em>Streptococcus mutans</em> (<em>S. mutans</em>) is a Gram-positive bacterium that lives in the mouth and contributes in to the formation of dental caries. Production and evaluation of hens egg yolk and serum antibodies in poultry industry are important.<br /> <strong>Objectives:</strong> The serum and egg yolk of immunized hens were evaluated for producing of anti-<em>S. mutans</em> immunoglobulin Y (IgY).<br /> <br /> <strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>A booster injection was performed 10 days after the initial infusion for producing of anti-<em>S. mutans </em>IgY. The effects of anti-<em>S. mutans </em>IgY antibody was detected in serum and egg yolk samples of immunized hens were evaluated by broth dilution. Finally, the tube agglutination test was used for the detection of <em>S. mutans </em>antigens in serums and eggs yolk. Sixteen days after initial immunization, IgY concentration was reached to maximum range.<br /> <strong>Results: </strong>The tube agglutination test was showed IgY against whole cell antigen of <em>S. mutans</em> at 1:8 antibody titration. A 25 μg/mL of IgY was completely inhibited the growth of <em>S. mutans</em> and immunization against <em>S. mutans</em> by IgY that obtained from serums and eggs yolk of immunized hens. The results were showed this concentration was significant and more effective and can decrease the growth of this bacterium in its culture compare to normal antibodies obtained from unimmunized hens (<em>p</em><0.05).<br /> <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Anti-<em>S. mutans</em> IgY antibody which obtained from immunized hens decrease the bacterial growth rate and it could help to detect tooth decay and treating dental caries caused by this bacterium.