Ferric quinate (QPLEX) inhibits the interaction of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) with the Lewis b (Le) antigen and limits colonization in broilers.

colonizes hosts by interacting with Blood Group Antigens (BgAgs) on the surface of gastrointestinal epithelia. Genetic variations in BgAg expression affects host susceptibility to . Here, we show that the essential major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of NCTC11168 binds to the Lewis b (Le) antigen on the gastrointestinal epithelia of host tissues and this interaction can be competitively inhibited by ferric quinate (QPLEX), a ferric chelate structurally similar to bacterial siderophores. We provide evidence that QPLEX competitively inhibits the MOMP-Le interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that QPLEX can be used as a feed additive in broiler farming to significantly reduce colonization. Our results indicate that QPLEX can be a viable alternative to the preventative use of antibiotics in broiler farming to combat infections.