Characterization of an IgY polyclonal antibodies directed against the canine distemper virus

Abstract

Canine distemper is a contagious, incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Distemper is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV). The development of antibodies to use in therapy and diagnosis is essential for the control of some diseases. Immunization of chickens with CDV results in the production of antibodies specific. However, there is relatively limited information available concerning immune response of CDV in this species. In the present study, immune responses were examined in serum and egg yolk from laying hens injected with CDV. The results demonstrated that the increase of antibody activity occurs first in the serum, and then in egg yolk with a lag in time of 1 to 3 week in the chickens. However, the time of elevated levels of antibody activity was much shorter in serum than the egg yolk.