Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0537-5031

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Ramachandran, Reshma

Committee Member

Zhang, Li

Committee Member

Adhikari, Pratima

Date of Degree

8-8-2023

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Agriculture

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Poultry Science

Abstract

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a bacterium that is responsible for colibacillosis in birds. However, information about broiler breeder APEC isolates is limited, but the data is critical due to the transfer of this bacteria down the production pyramid to progenies resulting in high mortality. Therefore, we evaluated the phenotypic virulence characteristics of 28 isolates using embryo lethality and day-old chick challenge assays. Also, the in vitro adhesion and invasion potential of selected nine isolates were identified. Results showed more than 1/3rd of the isolates were highly virulent and the virulence increased as the number of virulence-associated genes increased. High adhesion and invasion rates were observed among the isolates. Overall, the study helped us to evaluate the virulence characteristics of APEC from broiler breeders. However, future studies based on whole genome approach would help to identify the specific targets which can be used to develop effective interventions.

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