A systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of recombinant avian alpha and gamma interferons in reducing the mortality rates due to prevalent viral diseases in poultry.

Human interferon has been successfully used against viral infections and neoplastic disease in humans, but extensive clinical trials in poultry, where viral diseases are of major concern in farm productivity, have not been conducted and therefore, the aim of the present review is to shed more light in evaluating the effectiveness of alpha and gamma avian interferons in reducing the mortality caused by prevalent viral infections in poultry. The review was performed in accordance with the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A thorough search was conducted in Pub Med and Science Direct. An aleatory effect meta- analysis was accomplished and odd-ratios were calculated, based on the program JAMOVI, version 2.3.28, pointing out a confidence interval of 95%. A statistically significant relationship was found in four selected studies, between the use of recombinant avian alpha and gamma interferons and reduction of mortality caused by prevalent viral diseases of poultry. The aforementioned evidence points to the probable inference that treatment with recombinant alpha and gamma interferons of avian origin, significantly reduce mortality rates in poultry exposed to viruses of prevalent diseases such as Infectious Bronchitis, Infectious Bursal Disease and Newcastle Disease.