Work

Therapeutic applications of IgY in common canine and feline viral diseases

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Immunoglobulin yolk (IgY) is the major antibody in birds whose immunotherapeutic potential has been investigated in canine and feline viral diseases. Management currently focuses on supportive care (often insufficient) or prevention using vaccines (slow to develop). IgY is developed against a wide range of antigens, and commercial formulations also exist. Several therapeutic trials and case reports examine IgY as main or adjunctive treatment in feline and canine viral diseases. Objectives: To map and summarize the available evidence on IgY-based immunotherapy for viral infections of dogs and cats and assess its reported benefits and shortcomings in a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligibility criteria: Original English-language studies, focusing on the application of IgY in treating canine and feline viral diseases. Sources of evidence: Six databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate) were searched in October 2024 using combinations of keywords related to IgY, small animals and therapy. Charting methods: Data on study design, treatment protocol/dosage/outcome and OCEBM level of evidence score were extracted. Results: In total, 14 studies met inclusion criteria, including 7 clinical trials, 3 case series and 4 case reports; ten investigated CPV-2, while four examined feline viruses (FIV/FeLV/FIP). Most were small non-randomized clinical trials. IgY was administered orally, intravenously, and intranasally. Higher doses generally produced stronger effects. Feline studies used non-specific IgY with limited therapeutical benefit. Conclusions: IgY-based immunotherapy appeared safe, accelerated recovery and reduced mortality in most studies, but current evidence in feline viral infections is limited and non-specific. Further pathogen-specific trials are required.

Source: Veterinary and Animal Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2025.100534

Authors: Kamyar Madani, Nima Neyestani, Jalil Mehrzad, Darioush Shirani, Niloofar Zarifian

Institution: University of Tehran

Language: English

Topic: Animal Virus Infections Studies

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,780