Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori infection by orally administered yolk-derived anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody
Shimamoto, C.; Tokioka, S.; Hirata, I.; Tani, H.; Ohishi, H.; Katsu, K-ichi.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 49(45): 709-714
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 12063975 Document Number: 550074
Background/Aims: We studied highly specific chicken egg yolk-derived anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody, and examined efficacy in inducing passive immunity and a bacteriostatic effect on H. pylori. Methodology: Heat-killed H. pylori were administered orally to hens, and specific anti-H. pylori antibody was purified from the yolk of eggs laid by these hens. The antibody's ability to inhibit H. pylori growth, urease activity, ammonia production, the cytopathic effects, and its effects on serum anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) production were investigated in vitro and in vivo. In addition, H. pylori-infected volunteers received the antibody orally and underwent repeated 13C-urea breath test after antibody ingestion. Results: Anti-H. pylori antibody derived from egg yolk strongly inhibited growth of H. pylori and increased agglutination of H. pylori in vitro. It also strongly inhibited H. pylori-associated urease activity and ammonia production as well as the cytopathic effect of H. pylori on cultured cells. The antibody also inhibited serum anti-H. pylori IgG production and the incidence of acute gastritis in H. pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils. In volunteers, urea breath testing showed decreased urease activity after antibody ingestion. Conclusions: Anti-H. pylori antibody derived from egg yolk was specific for H. pylori. The antibody had a bacteriostatic effect on H. pylori, inhibited H. pylori urease activity, and inhibited H. pylori infection in Mongolian gerbils and humans.