Tissue distribution of haemolytic Gallibacterium isolates in laying birds showing clinical signs of egg peritonitis
Résumé
Gallibacterium anatis biovar haemolytica has been proposed to play a role as a cause of peritonitis and salpingitis in chickens. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of G. anatis biovar haemolytica in chickens with clinical signs of egg peritonitis. A total of 141 birds from 31 layer flocks were submitted for necropsy and the following organs were bacteriologically examined: choana, trachea, lung, heart, liver, spleen, ovary, oviduct, duodenum and cloaca. As Escherichia coli is able to induce egg peritonitis the presence of this bacteria was also registered. In six out of 31 flocks, G. anatis was isolated in pure culture from the reproductive tract of affected birds. Similarly, in 10/31 flocks E. coli was obtained in pure culture, whereas in 14/31 both G. anatis and E. coli were isolated. The genetic diversity of the Gallibacterium isolates were assessed by amplified fragment length polymorphism on a subset of 83 isolates. Generally, each flock was infected by a single clone which could be isolated from various locations in the birds. However, in two flocks, the majority of birds sampled positive from internal organs, indicating that the particular clones present in those flocks may be more invasive. In conclusion, our findings support previous indications of G. anatis biovar haemolytica being associated with infection of the reproductive tract of chickens making it a likely cause of lowered productivity and animal welfare.
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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