Evaluation of antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against avian mycoplasmosis with assessment of its impact on broiler chickens' performance and health.

Mycoplasmosis is a main threat to the poultry industry. Recently, Mycoplasma developed resistance against most macrolides therefore, this study aimed to in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). In vitro studies were adopted to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO-NPs against MG and MS. For in vivo studies, 189 birds were allotted into 9 groups including 21 birds/group with triplicates, 7 birds each as follow: G1: challenged with MS; G2: challenged with MS and treated with 1% ZnO-NPs; G3:; challenged with MS and treated with 0.5% ZnO-NPs G4: challenged with MS and treated with difloxacin; G5: challenged with MG; G6: challenged with MG and treated with 1% ZnO-NPs; G7: challenged with MG and treated with 0.5% ZnO-NPs; G8: challenged with MG and treated with Difloxacin and G9: control negative. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs revealed in vitro anti-Mycoplasmal activity, the addition of 1% ZnO-NPs in the drinking water of the birds was a very effective medication for controlling MG & MS infections in broiler and treated birds revealed better FCR, a significant reduction in the severity of clinical signs and lesion score, a significant improvement in antioxidant status (Catalase, MDA & GSH), enhancement of hepatic (ALT & AST) & renal function (Creatinine & Urea) and a significant improvement in lipid profile (cholesterol & triglycerides). The usage of 1% ZnO-NPs is recommended as a safe effective treatment against avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]