The present study evaluated the potential use of immunoglobulin prepared from egg yolk of chickens immunized with Escherichia coli K88 (IgY-Ec) in the control of E. coli K88 infection in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage. The binding activity of IgY-Ec against E. coli K88 surface protein was more specific and increased than control IgY. In infection assay of E. coli in macrophage, the specific IgY-Ec to E. coli K88 remarkably inhibited the phagocytic activity comparing to nonspecific IgY (p<0.001). In adherence assay, bacterial adhesion on macrophage cells was definitely reduced by preincubation of IgY-Ec compared with nonspecific IgY (p<0.05). These findings suggested that IgY-Ec have the protective effects against pathogens and IgY-based diets may have potential benefits for preventing or treating various infections in domestic animals.

• Jin-Ju Lee(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Dong-Hyeok Kim(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Jeong-Ju Lim(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Dae-Geun Kim(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Gon-Sup Kim(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Won-Gi Min(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Hu-Jang Lee(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University)
• Man-Hee Rhee(Dept. of A Food Science & Technology(Insti. of Agric. and2College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University)
• Hong-Hee Chang(Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University)
• Suk Kim(College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University) Corresponding author