Isolation, molecular identification, detection of magA gene and evaluation of antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella strains in fetal mortality of ostriches in Isfahan

Embryonic mortality in ostriches can reduce the income of the ostrich production industry. Many factors play role in reduce hatching such as infectious agents. Among infectious agents, the role of Klebsiella in fetal losses, especially in ostriches, has been less studied. Therefore, in the recent research, 200 swab samples from dead ostrich embryos were collected and Klebsiella infection was identified with microbiological and biochemical methods. Then, Klebsiella species and virulence gene of magA were identified and determined by PCR method with specific primers. The results showed that out of 200 ostrich egg samples, 60 eggs infected with Gram-negative bacteria (30%) and 20 eggs were infected with Klebsiella (33%). Out of 20 Klebsiella strains, 15 and 5 strain identified as K. pneumonia (75%) and K. oxytoca (25%), respectively. None of the Klebsiella strains carried the magA gene. In this study, Klebsiella strains showed the highest sensitivity to imipenem (100%) and the highest resistance to enrofloxacin (70%). In general, Klebsiella spp seems to have 10% share in ostrich embryonic mortality, so preventing surface contamination and observing the principles of disinfection in ostrich hatchery play role in reducing embryonic mortality due to surface contamination.