Evaluate broad protection of the Escherichia coli Outer membrane protein (Omp) A against Avian Pathogenic E. coli infections in chickens

Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) significantly impacts the poultry industry by causing the disease colibacillosis in chickens. In this research study, a vaccine containing Outer membrane protein A (OmpA), prevalent among APEC, was evaluated for its broad potential protectivity against APEC. The objectives of our study are to 1) evaluate whether an OmpA vaccine would stimulate an antibody response in chickens and 2) show in vitro broad protection against bacteria. At 4 days-old, White Leghorn chickens (9/group) were vaccinated subcutaneously twice at two week-intervals with either PBS (control) or 50 μg OmpA in CpG adjuvant. On day 33 of age, blood was collected. Blood serum samples were used for an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect chicken IgY antibodies, and samples were run in duplicate. Preliminary results revealed that the vaccine elicited antibodies anti-OmpA in chickens. To evaluate protective ability of the antibodies, we will assess the bacterial effect of both serum and splenocytes from vaccinated birds in vitro. The success of this vaccine could decrease disease in both poultry and humans