EN
Fragments of bacterial and viral DNA are identified by the immune system of vertebrates which cause the activation of specific and non-specific mechanisms of immunological response. Similar immunostimulating effects can be achieved by using oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) consisting of unmethylated cytosine-guanosine dinucleotides (CpG ODN). Numerous studies show the capability of their appliance in treating bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, as well as in the therapy of tumors and cancers and in specific immunoprophylactics of many kinds of animal (including bird) diseases. This fact creates the capability of using CpG ODN in large scale poultry production. The authors describe the influence of CpG ODN on immune system cells and the possibilities of the practical application of CpG ODN in therapy and immunoprophylaxis of poultry diseases.