Prophylaxis and therapy of pandemic H1N1 virus infection using egg yolk antibody.

Influenza A virus infects the human respiratory system and causes acute and fatal pulmonary diseases. The emergence of drug-resistant viral strains highlights the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. In this work, IgY antibody was raised in immunized laying hens, and its antiviral activity was evaluated in the context of passive immunization.

Preparation and characterization of egg yolk immunoglobulin Y specific to influenza B virus.

The aim of this study was to prepare egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) for use in the prevention and treatment of influenza B viral infections. Laying hens were immunized with inactivated influenza B virus (IBV), and IgY was isolated from the egg yolk by multiple polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 extraction and ammonium sulfate purification steps. The titers and specificity of the purified antibodies were assessed.