Tikrit Journal for Agricultural Sciences

Immunopathologic Evaluation of E. Coli Adjuvant Proteins Conjugated with ZnO Nanoparticles in Young Lambs

https://doi.org/10.25130/tjas.26.2.3
Volume 26, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 23-39
Tikrit Journal for Agricultural Sciences

Document Type : Articles

Authors

Hassan H.K. Al-Bayati H.K. Al-Bayati 1
Thamer Jaddoa Shihab 2
Ahmed Abdullah Sultan 1
Bashar Sadeq Noomi 3
Qusai Saleh Jumaa 1
Jassim Mohamed Suleiman 4

1 Department of Pathology and Poultry Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, Iraq

2 Department of Pathology and Poultryry Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq.

3 Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, Iraq

4 Department of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetric, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tikrit, Iraq

Abstract
This study evaluated the immunogenic potential of Escherichia coli adjuvant proteins conjugated with zinc oxide nanoparticles as a novel immunization strategy in young lambs (3–3.5 months of age). Twenty lambs were randomly divided into four groups (n=5) after adaptation. Group 1 served as a negative control, while Group 2 was a positive control challenged subcutaneously with virulent E. coli (1 × 10⁷ CFU/ml) on day 28. Groups 3 and 4 received two subcutaneous doses of WCECK and ECCFPs proteins, respectively, at 14-day intervals, and were similarly challenged. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 35 to measure antibody levels (IgG-3, IgM) and proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL-2, IL-1β) via ELISA. Liver, spleen, and intestinal tissues were collected post-euthanasia for histopathological examination. The results demonstrated that both vaccinated and infected groups showed a time-dependent increase in IgG-3, IgM, CXCL-2, and IL-1β levels, reaching peak concentrations on day 35. Histopathological findings revealed necrotic and degenerative changes, inflammatory infiltration, congestion, and edema in target tissues. Conclusion, E. coli protein vaccines formulated with zinc oxide nanoparticles induced robust humoral and inflammatory responses in young lambs, suggesting their potential as candidate formulations for early protection against E. coli infections.

Keywords

Antibodies
immune response
inflammation
ELISA
Histopathological

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