"Uptake of green fluorescent protein-labeled bacteria and the viability of HD11 cells(measured by flow cytometry) was not affected by any of the fatty acids tested. Bacterial clearance (measured by the plating of sorted viable infected cells) was significantly higher with n - 3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). However, stearic acid (SA) and the n - 6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (ARA) did not influence S. typhimurium killing by HD11 cells. The improved S. typhimurium clearance by ALA and DHA was not associated with increased NO or O-2(-) production by HD11 cells," wrote U. Babu and colleagues, Food & Drug Administration.

The researchers concluded, "These results suggest a role for n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Salmonella clearance by chicken macrophages; however, in vivo studies are essential to confirm their efficacy in controlling Salmonella infection in chickens and contamination in shell eggs."