Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) - an update on the control

Escherichia coli is a common inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. Commensal E. coli, designated as nonpathogenic, are considered to be the majority. This microorganism can be divided into two large groups: pathogenic and commensal E. coli. The pathogenic group is characterized by two more pathotypes: diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) (with eight subpathotypes) and extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) (with six subpathotypes). ExPEC leads to disease in humans and animals. Avian colibacillosis is the main disease caused by ExPEC and has led to millions of dollars in losses to the worldwide poultry industry. Another problem associated with ExPEC strains is the high rates of antibiotic resistance. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal production may have contributed to the resistant strains of ExPEC. E. coli strains of animal origin have been reported in humans. Herein we discuss the major diseases associated with E. coli and the problems of resistance to antibiotics in humans and the poultry industry, as well as alternative methods to control colibacillosis in poultry.