Characterization of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Broiler Breeders with Colibacillosis in Mississippi

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis in poultry, a leading cause of poultry mortality worldwide. It is crucial to control APEC broiler breeders as it vertically transferred progeny via eggs. However, there only limited knowledge on the current population breeders. This study characterized 28 strains isolated from with colibacillosis. The genotypic-virulence characteristics well antimicrobial and heavy-metal resistance patterns isolates were determined. Results showed that O88 most prevalent serogroup B2 predominant phylogenetic group. Among virulence genes, genes for iron acquisition (iroN iutA), protectins (iss ompT), toxin production (hlyF) exhibited highest prevalence. Further, 93% carried at least one gene prevalence tetracycline tetA. isolates, 10.71% multidrug resistance. All arsenic arsC towards silver. Our findings provide insight into populations Mississippi. will help future research pathogenesis development effective prevention strategies against