engleski

Characterisation of E. coli isolated from poultry and other birds

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is ubiquitous bacteria and normal inhabitant of human and animal gastrointestinal tract. They are usually harmless commensal bacteria, but certain strains can cause a variety of disease syndromes in birds and different diseases in humans. Based on the production of virulence factors and the clinical manifestations that these strains can cause, they are classified in several categories (or pathotypes). It has been evidenced that the significant percentage of E. coli strains are resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs while some strains can cause severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and even death. Among these are the verotoxigenic group of E. coli (VTEC) that produce verotoxines. Recently, several reports described an increase in emergence of Enterobacteriaceae that produce extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in humans and animals. This group of pathogenic bacteria produce the enzyme (beta-lactamase) capable of hydrolysing penicillins, broad-spectrum cephalosporins and monobactams. Such strains have been isolated in different food-producing animals and vegetables, and in high numbers in poultry and other birds. Due to the evidenced pathogenicity of E. coli in humans and animals, high incidence and multi-drug resistant features these strains are considered as potentially harmful and are therefore important area of research worldwide in relation to public health. This presentation will give an overview of the features associated with virulence of pathogenic E. coli as well as methods of their characterisation.

E. coli; birds; poultry; VTEC; ESBL

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