Impact of Live Attenuated and Inactivated Infectious Bronchitis Vaccines on Immune Response and Maternal Antibody Transfer in Breeder Hens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijar.2025.46.04.21Keywords:
Breeder hens, Infectious Bronchitis Virus, Vaccination, Humoral immunity, Maternal antibody transfer, Poultry health, IFN-γAbstract
Background:Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) remains one of the most economically significant viral diseases affect ing the global poultry industry due to its detrimental effects on respiratory, renal, and reproductive systems. Effective vaccination strategies in breeder hens are essential not only for flock protection but also for ensuring optimal maternal antibody transfer to progeny.Objective:This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses in breeder hens vaccinated with live attenuated and inactivated IBV vaccines, with particular emphasis on maternal antibody transfer and its persistence in chicks.Methods:A total of 35 breeder hens (67 weeks old) were ran domly allocated into three groups: unvaccinated control, live attenuated vaccine group (administered via eye drop), and inactivated vaccine group (administered subcutaneously). Serum samples were collected weekly post-vaccination to assess immunoglobulin levels (IgG and IgA) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Egg yolk samples were analyzed for IgY concentrations to evaluate maternal antibody transfer. Progeny chicks were monitored to assess the persistence of passive immunity.Results:The live attenuated vaccine induced a rapid and strong immune response, with significant elevation of IgG, IgA, and IFN-γ levels observed as early as one week post-vaccination, indicating robust cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, the inactivated vaccine elicited a slower but more sustained humoral immune response, with peak antibody levels observed at week three. Higher IgY concentrations were detected in egg yolks from hens vaccinated with the inac tivated vaccine, resulting in longer-lasting passive immunity in their chicks. No detectable IFN-γ was observed in mater nal antibody transfer.Conclusion:Live attenuated IBV vaccines provide rapid onset of immunity, whereas inactivated vaccines offer superior and prolonged maternal antibody transfer. A combined prime–boost vaccination strategy using both vaccine types is recommended to optimize immune protection and productivity in commercial poultry production systems.References
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