Genetic characterization, antibiogram pattern, and pathogenicity of Clostridium perfringens isolated from broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis

Abstract

The aims of this investigation were characterization, demonstration of the antibiogram pattern and detection of the pathogenicity of Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) strains isolated from broiler chickens in Damietta governorate, Egypt. A total of 357 samples representing 202 intestinal contents and 155 liver samples from freshly dead broiler chickens were collected from 18 broiler farms. Isolates of C. perfringens were identified morphologically, microscopically, and biochemically. Forty-seven C. perfringens isolates were recovered, which represented 20.3% of the intestinal contents and 3.8% of the liver samples. The toxins and virulence genes of C. perfringens were investigated using polymerase chain reaction. All of the toxigenic C. perfringens strains were type A and carried netB, tpeL, cpe, and plc genes. The in vitro antibiogram of C. perfringens strains revealed 100% sensitivity to gentamycin and levofloxacin and 100% resistance to nalidixic acid and ceftriaxone. The isolated C. perfringens strains were highly pathogenic and induced signs and lesions of necrotic enteritis as well as 43.3% mortalities in 20-day-old chicks. In conclusion, C. perfringens is an important pathogen that affects broiler chickens due to the presence of virulence genes and the pathogenicity in the inoculated birds.

Comparative efficacy of postbiotic, probiotic, and antibiotic against necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

“…Necrotic enteritis ( NE ), induced by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens ), has been unequivocally recognized as one of the most leading intestinal disease affecting chickens and turkeys. The disease is characterized by decreasing growth rate and poor feed conversion rate as a result of necrosis of the intestinal mucosa and cholangiohepatitis ( Hofacre et al., 2018 ; Zahoor et al., 2018 ; Eraky and Abd El-Ghany, 2022 ). Several predisposing factors such as improper feeding and poor management practices (e.g., high stocking density and high-protein diets) can interrupt gut immune homeostasis and promote C. perfringens proliferation and NE infection ( Drew et al., 2004 ; Wu et al., 2014 ).…”