Control of Campylobacter jejuni in chickens by vaccination

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Campylobacter jejuni is a major food-borne pathogen. In 2004, there were 9,000 reported cases of human camplylobacteriosis in Canada, compared to 5,000 cases of salmonellosis during the same year. According to some estimates, the annual cost of human campylobacteriosis in the US is over 8 billion dollars. Poultry products are the source of infection in most cases, because chickens become infected with Campylobacter and can shed this microbe without showing any clinical signs. Therefore, to reduce the risk of this microbe, it is critically important to reduce the Campylobacter burden in poultry products. Here, we propose to undertake a series of studies to evaluate the ability of natural immune stimulants to reduce burden of Campylobacter in chickens. We also intend to develop novel vaccine formulation using the above immune stimulants to confer protection against Campyobacter in chickens. Finally, we will investigate the possible synergism between vaccines and probiotics for improved control of this bacterium. The results of our studies will ultimately provide a means for control of Campylobacter and its transmission to humans.