Differential Effects of Drinking Water Quality on Phagocyte Responses of Broiler Chickens Against Fungal and Bacterial Challenges

Abstract

Combinatorial effects of xenobiotics in water on health may occur even at levels within current acceptable guidelines for individual chemicals. Herein, we took advantage of the sensitivity of the immune system and an avian animal model to examine the impact of xenobiotic mixtures on animal health. Water was derived from an underground well in Alberta, Canada and met guidelines for consumption, but contained a number of contaminants. Changes to chicken immunity were evaluated following acute (7d) exposure to contaminated water under basal and immune challenged conditions. An increase in resident macrophages and a decrease in CD8+ lymphocytes were identified in the abdominal cavity, which served as a relevant site where immune leukocytes could be examined. Subsequent intra-abdominal immune stimulation detected differential in vivo acute inflammatory responses to fungal and bacterial challenges. Leukocyte recruitment into the challenge site and activation of phagocyte antimicrobial responses were affected. These functional responses paralleled molecular changes in the expression for pro-inflammatory and regulatory genes. In all, this study primarily highlights dysregulation of phagocyte responses following acute (7d) exposure of poultry to contaminated water. Given that production food animals hold a unique position at the interface of animal, environmental and human health, this emphasizes the need to consider the impact of xenobiotic mixtures in our assessments of water quality.

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate: improving broiler health by reducing harmful microbial levels in the waterline

“…Similar results were obtained in this experiment, as the broiler serum antibodies and biochemical parameters were not affected by the drinking water containing NaDCC. More-Bayona et al ( 41 ) reported an increase in macrophages and a decrease in CD8+ lymphocytes in the peritoneal cavity of broilers that consumed well water containing a mixture of biological preparations for an extended period. They also observed varying degrees of inflammatory responses in the organism caused by fungi and bacteria present in the water.…”

Nile Tilapia Bones as Eco-Friendly Alternative in Water Treatment and Enhancing Performance and Immunity in Broiler Chickens

“…Water represents an important requirement for all living organisms, as well as affects immune functions and homeostasis in broiler chickens ( More-Bayona et al , 2020 ). Water absence shortened the survival time among the broiler chickens ( Abbas et al , 2010 ).…”

Modulation of the immune system of chickens a key factor in maintaining poultry production—a review

“…The main factors influencing biofilm formation include the substrate's chemical composition, temperature, oxygen ( O 2 ) content, and interactions between microbes ( García-Gonzalo and Pagán, 2015 ). In addition to pathogenic microorganisms, water can also be contaminated with harmful xenobiotics that can cause an increase in macrophages, decrease the number of CD8+ lymphocytes, and initiate inflammatory reactions in the body ( More-Bayona et al, 2020 ). Heavy metals such as copper ( Cu ) and lead ( Pb ) are other pollutants.…”