BelSU Geneticists Develop Universal Vaccine for Two Dangerous Infections in Animals

Currently, farm animals and poultry are vaccinated separately against these two infections; however, this innovative development offers protection against both with a single injection.

For the first time in Russia, researchers have engineered a unique strain of Salmonella enteritidis R-6 ecp-schomo, which provides simultaneous protection against two pathogens critical to poultry and livestock farming.

This new strain is a genetically modified variant of the common Salmonella enteritidis bacterium. The team integrated a plasmid fragment containing the ecpABCD operon from Escherichia coli strain 388 into its genome. As a result, cells of the new strain actively produce specific proteins from this operon, stimulating antibody production in animals and fostering stable immunity against both serious bacterial diseases.

Based on this novel strain, the researchers developed a vaccine technology that effectively protects against both infections. This universal vaccine significantly enhances prophylactic effectiveness, reduces production costs, and simplifies veterinary measures for safeguarding poultry and livestock – an important advancement for the agricultural economy.

“The Joint Centre for Genetic Technologies at BelSU served as the project's scientific director and technological integrator, successfully interpreting industry needs and transforming them into a scientific project. We assembled an interdisciplinary team that effectively brought this project to fruition,” remarked Alexey Deykin, director of the centre, highlighting the university scientists’ pivotal role in developing this innovative vaccine.