Efficacy of an Experimental Combined Inactivated Salmonella Typhimurium and Paramyxovirus Vaccine in Pigeons

Pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) and salmonellosis are two of the major health problems that affect pigeons worldwide. Immuno-protection of pigeons against PPMV-1 infection and salmonellosis is a very important preventive measure. In the present work, a combined inactivated montanide ISA-206 oil adjuvanted vaccine of local isolates of PPMV-1 and S. Typhimurium was prepared. Quality control assessment of such preparatıon revealed that it is free from foreign contaminants, safe and immunogenic. The sero-evaluation using microplate agglutination test revealed that the humoral immune response developed against S. Typhimurium in the vaccinated pigeons reached 64 three weeks post 1st dose and reached its maximum value 256 two weeks post boostering. Results of HI test showed that the vaccine induced detectable humoral immune response to PPMV-1 expressed by marked increased HI antibody titer till the end of the experiment (8.0 log2). The vaccination-challenge assay with the virulent strain of PPMV-1 with 106 EID50 /mL showed 100% protection in vaccinated group (Ia). While, the virulent S. Typhimurium organism with 5 x107 CFU/bird showed 90% protection in vaccinated birds. The unvaccinated control group showed 10% and 20% protection against both virulent PPMV-1 and S. Typhimurium, respectively. In conclusion, this vaccine could be recommended as safe, potent and could be useful when used for protection against PPMV-1 and S. Typhimurium under field condition.