Colonization of chicken cecae by Escherichia coli associated with hemorrhagic colitis

Abstract

Bacterial enumeration, histologic examination, and immunoperoxidase staining demonstrated the ability of an Escherichia coli strain associated with hemorrhagic colitis (serotype 0157:H7) to colonize chicken cecae for up to 90 days postinoculation after a peroral challenge at 1 day of age. The bacteria induced mild, transient, mucous membrane damage confined to the proximal cecae of healthy, normal-appearing chickens, principally at 14 to 28 days postinoculation. Attachment, effacement, and penetration of the cecal surface epithelium by E. coli 0157:H7 were observed. With the exception of splenic, hepatic, and cecal tonsil immune-related changes and cecal damage and colonization, no other organ systems or portions of the gastrointestinal tract were affected by the bacteria. Bacterial counts indicated that E. coli 0157:H7 was predominantly present in the cecae (often at levels greater than 106 CFU/g of tissue and contents) and to a lesser extent in the colon. Our results suggest that E. coli 0157:H7 colonizes chicken cecae and is passed through the colon with fecal excrement. The ability of this organism to colonize chicken cecae indicates that chickens may serve as hosts and possibly as reservoirs for E. coli 0157:H7.

Attaching-effacing Bacteria in Animals

“…Persistent E. coli O157:H7 infection of chicken caeca was induced by oral inoculation of one-dayold chicks with a high dose (10 9 colony-forming units). AE lesions and caecal oedema were induced, but clinical signs were not observed (Beery et al, 1985). Similarly, AE lesions were seen, but only in the caeca, in symptomless chicks inoculated orally with AEEC strains of various serotypes from calves, chicks, pigs and human beings (Sueyoshi and Nakazawa, 1994).…”

Thermal Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cooked Turkey Products

“…Although most outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 have involved beef and beef products (Lamothe et al, 1983;Mermelstein, 1993;Padhye and Doyle, 1992), veal, lamb, pork, and poultry have also been identified as possible sources of infection (Doyle and Schoeni, 1987). Ceca of young chickens have been readily colonized by E. coli O157:H7 and may serve as source of contamination for several months and during processing (Beery et al, 1985).…”

Heat‐Resistance of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 in Meat and Poultry as Affected by Product Composition

“…Other outbreaks have been attributed to contaminated poultry (Ryan et al, 1986;Carter et al, 1987). E. coli 0157:H7 readily colonized the ceca of chickens and was shed in feces for several months (Beery et al, 1985). E. coli 0157:H7 was isolated from retail poultry in the U.S. (Doyle and Shoeni, 1987).…”