This technology features peptide variants derived from the chicken's natural antimicrobial protein, NK-lysin, with modified amino acid sequences, and an antimicrobial composition containing these variants as an active ingredient. These variants simultaneously inhibit Eimeria, the protozoan responsible for avian coccidiosis, and Clostridium perfringens, which causes necrotic enteritis.
Coccidiosis, which causes significant damage to broiler farms, has been difficult to manage, often requiring chemical agents. The practice of adding animal antibiotics to feed has led to the development of resistant bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through livestock products. Since the ban on growth-promoting antibiotics, the incidence of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis has increased, yet existing alternatives like probiotics and vaccines have limitations in cost and efficacy compared to antibiotics.
This technology leverages the properties of antimicrobial peptides—which carry a low risk of inducing bacterial resistance or immune rejection—to secure variant sequences that act simultaneously on two different pathogens: protozoa and bacteria. The composition can be used to prevent or treat avian coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis. It can be applied to antibiotic-free broiler feed additives, drinking water additives for preventing intestinal diseases in poultry farms, and veterinary antimicrobial drugs, helping to reduce intestinal disease damage in broilers and support the production of livestock products free from concerns about resistant bacteria.
This invention was developed with support from the Rural Development Administration's project on developing markers and selection systems related to protozoan and bacterial disease resistance through functional genomic analysis of chickens.
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