Production, Purification and Characterization of Chicken Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin against Cryptococcus neoformans Capsular Antigen

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast that can live in both plants and animals which cause Cryptococcal meningitis in human. Objectives: The aim of the present investigation is to produce anti-capsular egg yolk antibody in adult White Leghorn hen to promote immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy. Methods: The capsular antigen was prepared and administered to chickens. After immunization, the egg yolk antibodies were purified by Polyethylene and Ammonium sulphate precipitate method. IgY produced were titrated against killed whole cell antigen by micro-titer plate agglutination method and Growth inhibition assay was also carried out against live C. neoformans. Results: After 35 days of immunization, the antibody titer raised at high level. The intramuscular route of inoculation stimulates better IgY production than any other routes tried. The growth inhibition assay was directly proportional to the concentration of IgY added to the test medium. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the IgY is less invasive and not harm the experimental animals. It could be an alternate to IgG serum antibodies for both diagnosis as well as therapy