Effect of a mannanoligosaccharide-supplemented diet on intestinal mucosa T lymphocyte populations in chickens challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis

SUMMARY Salmonellosis is one of the most common worldwide zoonosis, and the Enteritidis and Typhimurium serotypes are most prevalent. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a diet supplemented with mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) on CD3+ ,C D4+ ,C D8+, and goblet cell counts in the intestines of broilers vaccinated and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. The evaluation was based on randomized experiments including 45 chickens divided into 3 experimental groups. Group 1 received a nonsupplemented control diet. Group 2 received a diet supplemented with 1 kg MOS/t from d 1 to 21 and 0.5 kg MOS/t from d 22 to 56. Group 3 received a diet supplemented with 2 kg MOS/t from d 1 to 21 and 1 kg MOS/t from d 22 to 56. Chickens fed the lower level of MOS demonstrated reduced fecal shedding of Salmonella 14 d after being challenged (P < 0.05). Both groups of MOS-supplemented chickens showed an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts in the ileal and cecal mucosa after being challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). Supplementation with MOS increased the specific T lymphocyte infiltration in the intestinal mucosa of chickens vaccinated and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis.