Passive and active protection against disorders of the gut

Role of goblet cells and mucin layer in protecting maternal IgA in precocious birds

Immune protection of the gut in early life depends on provision of maternal antibodies, particularly that of IgA. In precocial birds (in this study Gallus gallus domesticus) the egg provides the only source of maternal antibodies, IgA inclusive. The gut-life of IgA in hatchlings is expected to be brief due to antigen binding and intestinal washout, and maternal IgA is likely to be depleted prior to immune independence at 7-10 days of age in the domestic fowl. We followed the track of maternal IgA in mucosal surfaces of the fowl and describe for the first time a mechanism that might provide the means to extend the active period of maternal IgA in the gut. Maternal IgA was located in the gut, lung, and cloacal bursa in embryos and hatchlings prior to the appearance of endogenic IgA positive plasma cells (D3 in the bursa or D7 in the gut and lung); the source of IgA was most probably the yolk, as the plasma was devoid of IgA till D7 post-hatch. The levels of maternal IgA decreased with time, but were still easily determined at the onset of endogenous IgA production following maturation of the adaptive immune system. Persistence of maternal IgA in the gut was enabled by goblet cell up-take by a yet un-described mechanism, and its consequent release in a mucin-like layer on enterocyte apical surfaces.

Perspectives on immunoglobulins in colostrum and milk

Immunoglobulins form an important component of the immunological activity found in milk and colostrum. They are central to the immunological link that occurs when the mother transfers passive immunity to the offspring. The mechanism of transfer varies among mammalian species. Cattle provide a readily available immune rich colostrum and milk in large quantities, making those secretions important potential sources of immune products that may benefit humans. Immune milk is a term used to describe a range of products of the bovine mammary gland that have been tested against several human diseases. The use of colostrum or milk as a source of immunoglobulins, whether intended for the neonate of the species producing the secretion or for a different species, can be viewed in the context of the types of immunoglobulins in the secretion, the mechanisms by which the immunoglobulins are secreted, and the mechanisms by which the neonate or adult consuming the milk then gains immunological benefit. The stability of immunoglobulins as they undergo processing in the milk, or undergo digestion in the intestine, is an additional consideration for evaluating the value of milk immunoglobulins. This review summarizes the fundamental knowledge of immunoglobulins found in colostrum, milk, and immune milk.

Effect of dietary anti-urease immunoglobulin Y on Helicobacter pylori infection in Mongolian gerbils

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Helicobacter pylori is known to be a major pathogenic factor in the development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Recently, chicken egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) has been recognized as an inexpensive antibody source for passive immunization against gastrointestinal infections. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of anti-urease IgY on H. pylori infection in Mongolian gerbils.

METHODS

H. pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils were administered a diet containing anti-urease IgY, with or without famotidine (F). After 10 weeks, bacterial culture and measurement of the gastric mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were performed. In a second experiment, another group of gerbils was started on a diet containing F + IgY a week prior to H. pylori inoculation. After 9 weeks, these animals were examined.

RESULTS

In the H. pylori-infected gerbils, there were no significant differences in the level of H. pylori colonization among the different dietary and control groups. However, the MPO activity was significantly decreased in the H. pylori group administered the F + IgY diet compared with that in the H. pylori group administered the IgY, F, or control diet. Furthermore, in the gerbils administered the F + IgY diet prior to the bacterial inoculation, inhibition of H. pylori colonization and suppression of the elevated gastric mucosal MPO activity were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of urease-specific IgY not only inhibited H. pylori disease activity in H. pylori-infected gerbils, but also prevented H. pylori colonization in those not yet infected. These encouraging results may pave the way for a novel therapeutic and prophylactic approach in the management of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease.

Immune protection mediated by the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 (DR20) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection in mice

This study investigated the protective effects of feeding the immunoenhancing probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 against Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection in murine (BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice) challenge infection models. Mice were fed milk-based diets supplemented with L. rhamnosus HN001 (3 x 10(8) cfu g(-1)) for 7 days prior to and following oral challenge with E. coli O157:H7. Morbidity and feed intake were measured for 1 week following challenge; pathogen translocation to spleen, liver and blood, and humoral and cellular immunological responses (specific antibody and phagocytosis) were measured in a sub-sample of ostensibly healthy animals 1 week post-challenge. Results showed that, after challenge, L. rhamnosus HN001-fed mice exhibited lower cumulative morbidity and bacterial translocation rates, compared to non-probiotic-fed control mice. Significantly higher intestinal anti-E. coli IgA responses and blood leucocyte phagocytic activity were recorded among probiotic-fed mice compared to controls. These results demonstrate that feeding the probiotic L. rhamnosus HN001 to mice can reduce the severity of E. coli O157:H7 infection, and suggest that this reduction may be associated with enhanced humoral and cellular immune responses.

Clinical pathology of foodborne diseases: notes on the patient with foodborne gastrointestinal illness

The symptoms and signs in persons with food- or waterborne infections provide clues to the nature of the infecting microbe. Proper treatment of the affected individual, and protection of those exposed to the same source, is dependent on time-honored methods of diagnosis: exposure history, and physical examination. Laboratory testing may help to identify the responsible agent. Spontaneous recovery is the most likely outcome once supportive measures such as fluid and electrolyte replacement are addressed. Antibiotics are often unnecessary and may prolong fecal excretion of certain microorganisms. In immunosuppressed persons or those weakened by marginal nutrition, foodborne infection can be more severe, mandating more specific therapy. Management requires knowing the level of tissue invasion and organ infected by each of the commonly encountered microbes. Some of the most life-threatening infections (cholera, for example) are associated with no visible tissue injury, yet they have a profound impact on gut function. In contrast, salmonellosis and shigellosis can cause severe gut injury, and when foodborne infections extend beyond the confines of the gut, skilled care is essential. Examples are hemolytic uremic syndrome of Escherichia coli infections, or listeriosis, both of which require urgent attention. Long-term consequences of gut infections such as the paralytic Guillain-Barre syndrome following Campylobacter infections illustrates the long-term problems sometimes encountered. Because it is unlikely that all infectious agents will ever be removed from food and water in any country, sound medical intervention tailored to the extent of illness will be the mainstay of handling such illnesses.