GENETIC VACCINES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CHICKEN EGG-YOLK ANTIBODIES AGAINST ENTEROTOXIGENIC <i>ESCHERICHIA COLI</i> AND OTHER PATHOGENS

摘要

Genetic vaccine which comprises plasmid(s) containing genes coding for antigens of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains is disclosed. Additionally, plasmids may consist of multiple copies of the same antigen (i.e. K88 or K99 fimbrial antigen) or multiple antigens (i.e. K88 and K99 fimbrial antigens) and genetic adjuvants such as cytokines (IL-2, IL-4 & GM-CSF), costimulatory molecules (CD80 & CD86) or chemokines or immunostimulatory sequences. A method for isolating antibodies from chicken egg yolk for passive immunization of animals as well as humans to control diarrhoeal diseases using the genetic vaccines is also disclosed.