Detection of Virulence Factors in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Poultry with Colibacillosis in Ilam City

Extra-intestinal strains of the pathogenic Escherichia coli APEC are one of the most serious threats to the poultry industry in the world and in Iran, with extensive economic losses due to the high mortality rate in broiler herds. Molecular studies and determination of the frequency of virulence factors of APEC strains provide very useful information for designing and manufacturing vaccines against diseases caused by these strains. The aim of this study was to molecular detection of virulence genes iss and fimC in Escherichia coli Isolates from Poultry with Colibacillosis in Ilam City.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on one hundred and fifty APEC isolates collected from general cases of poultry Colibacillosis in the year 1399. First, isolates were identified using selective and ‎differential culture media and standard biochemical tests. PCR test was used to determine the ‎presence of virulence genes iss and fimC among Escherichia coli isolates using a specific primer.

Results of PCR test on one hundred and fifty APEC isolates obtained from Colibacillosis cases ‎using specific primers to detect the genes encoding fimbriae type 1 fimC and the gene ‎Increased serum survival ‎iss showed that 139 isolates (92.66%) had fimC gene. Also, the results ‎showed that among the total isolates, 126 isolates (84%) have the increased serum survival iss gene.‎

The results of this study indicate the high presence of virulence genes iss and fimC in Escherichia coli isolates isolated from avian Colibacillosis in the study area. Detection of these genes can be used as diagnostic markers of pathogenic Escherichia coli in poultry.