Effects of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 on immune responses of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) to Newcastle disease vaccines

BACKGROUND: The development of proper immune responses to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccines is important in controlling the disease. Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) is involved in regulating the immune system. AIMS: The current study evaluated the effects of EcN on immune responses to ND live vaccines in Japanese quails. METHODS: A total of 150 one-day-old quails were divided into three equal groups. Groups A and B received 10(7) and 10(6) CFU/ml/day of EcN, respectively, sprayed on their diets, while group C received 1 ml/day of PBS. All birds were vaccinated with B1 and Lasota vaccines at 10 and 20 days of age, respectively. Serum samples were collected in order to assay the levels of IgA and certain cytokines, including IL4, IFN-α, and IFN-γ, as well as antibody titers to NDV by HI and ELISA methods. RESULTS: No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in serum IgA and IFN-α levels among the groups. However, concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-4 in 42-day-old chicks in group A were significantly (P<0.05) higher than in both other groups. After 15 days of the second vaccination, the mean HI titer following NDV was significantly higher in group A than group C. Groups B and C showed significantly lower HI titer than group A after 22 days of the second vaccination. Mean ELISA titer to NDV was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group A than in groups B and C after 22 days of the second vaccination. CONCLUSION: It seems that the spraying of 10(7) CFU/ml/day of EcN on quail diets enhances the immune response to NDV vaccines by increasing serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4.