Publication Date
2011
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Major
Biology: Pre-Med
Primary Subject Area
Biology, Veterinary Science
Keywords
M-protein, Streptococcus equi, chicken antibodies
Disciplines
Animal Diseases
Recommended Citation
Lantz, Rachel, "Investigations into the Use of the M-protein for the Production of a Vaccine Against Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi Using Chicken IgY" (2011). Senior Honors Theses. 215.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/215
Abstract
Strangles is a destructive disease in horses caused by an infection of the bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Current vaccines designed to protect horse populations for this infection are only 50% effective at preventing the disease. The aim of this study was to develop a vaccine against Streptococcus equi by targeting the antiphagocytic virulence factor of the bacteria, the M-Protein (SeM18). SeM18 was expressed using the ampicillin resistant pET vector system and purified by metal affinity column using Cu(II). Purified protein was used to vaccinate chickens, and the anti-SeM18 IgY present in the yolk of the eggs produced by these chickens was purified. IgY was purified by SDS PAGE and Western Blot analysis. SDS PAGE of the induced protein showed a distinct band at 18 kDa, indicating the presence of SeM18 in the fraction. Analysis of the purified egg yolk detected the presence of anti-SeM18 IgY. This IgY would then be used to vaccinate horses against Strep. equi infection.
