Swedish egg antibodies for severe clinical infections (SWEAsci)

Important results from the project

VAP is one of the most common ICU-acquired infections. About 10% of patients under mechanical ventilation get VAP. With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, which is a global crisis, we also see an increase in antibiotic resistance in VAP infections. In such, antibiotic therapy to treat VAP is becoming more and more ineffective. The primary goal of this project was to develop and test a new specific approach against VAP. The project has carried out different specific pre-clinical antibody studies to prevent VAP, and has shown that IgY can potentially be used in mild human lung infections.

Expected long term effects

SWEASCI created IgY antibodies against common VAP pathogens, and documented safety and efficacy of the administration of avian antibodies (IgY) in lungs for the prevention of VAP in experimental pneumonia. The pneumonia model shows that anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa IgY inhibits bacterial growth in mild lung infections. In invasive lung infections, with higher bacterial doses, bacterial growth is not decreased, although the animals develop less circulatory shock. These findings are summarized in three manuscripts and can be used to create new tools to combat antibody resistance.

Approach and implementation

Partner UU was responsible for project coordination, high grade purification of antibodies, freeze-drying, the in vitro studies and the laboratory support to the in vivo studies. Partner UAS was responsible for the in vivo studies. UAS optimized a VAP model to study the safety and efficacy of intratracheal and intravenous administration of various pathogens and IgY. Partner IMS was responsible for the production of antibodies, including the production of the master and seed lots, immunogens, immunization, purification of antibodies, freeze-drying, and quality control.