In vivo and in vitro assessment of the anti-mycoplasma activity of Curcumin nanoparticles and their impact on health and performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

Globally, the poultry production industry is growing at a rapid pace. Mycoplasma is a disease that causes an enormous financial loss to the poultry farming industry. Lately, there have been reports of avian mycoplasmosis resistance to multiple antibiotics especially macrolides. Thus, the purpose of this work was to assess the antibacterial activity of curcumin nanoparticles (Curcumin-NPs) against Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in vitro and in vivo as a possible alternative for antibiotics. In vitro investigations were used to determine the curcumin-NPs' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) versus MG and MS. To conduct in vivo research, 216 birds were divided into nine groups, each consisting of 24 birds in triplicate and 8 birds apiece. The groups were as follows: G1 was given an MG challenge; G2 received an MG challenge and 0.5% curcumin-NPs; G3 received an MG challenge and 1% curcumin-NPs; G4 MG challenged and treated with tilmicosin, G5 challenged with MS; G6 infected with MS and supplied with 0.5% curcumin-NPs; G7 infected with MS and supplied with 1% curcumin-NPs; G8 received an MS challenge and treated with tilmicosin and G9 were the control negative group. The conclusion is that Curcumin-NPs demonstrated in vitro anti-mycoplasma activities; adding 1% curcumin-NPs to the drinking water for five days was a much more potent treatment than adding 0.5% curcumin-NPs and tilmicosin for the control of MG and MS infections in broiler chickens; the treated birds showed improved lipid profiles, better FCR, body weight gain, and a noticeable decrease in the sternness of clinical manifestations as well as lesions score. Additionally, a notable enhancement in renal function (urea & creatinine), hepatic enzymes (ALT & AST), and antioxidant status (Catalase, GSH, and MDA). There has also been a notable advancement in lipid profile. For five days, the use of 1% curcumin-NPs in the drinking water is advised as a secure and efficient treatment for avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens.