Molecular screening of gastric Helicobacter pullorum recovered from different avian species in Egypt

Abstract

Helicobacter pullorum (H. pullorum) is a bacterium that colonizes the intestines of poultry and causes gastroenteritis. Because these species are known as human and/or animal pathogens, identification of H. pullorum is becoming increasingly necessary. The bacterium has been linked to colitis and hepatitis in humans after being transmitted by infected meat consumption. Misdiagnosis of other enteric zoonotic pathogens such as Campylobacter and other Helicobacter species makes the diagnosis of H. pullorum extremely difficult. This study focused on the molecular detection of H. pullorum from the stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) of different avian species as new target organs for detection and transmission between avian species. Proventriculus and gizzards were obtained from 40 freshly dead chickens and resident wild birds (n=40). Diarrhea was found in the farms that were surveyed. DNA was extracted from all collected samples to conduct PCR amplification. The samples were screened for Helicobacter genus-specific 16s using C97 and C05 primers. To confirm the existence of H. pullorum, the positive samples were sequenced.H. pullorum was recorded in two out of 40 chicken samples. In addition, H. pullorum was recorded in one out of 40 resident wild birds. The 16S rRNA gene sequence for Helicobacter genus-specific in poultry and wild birds showed a 100% homology. In conclusion, broiler chickens and resident wild birds are possible reservoirs for H. pullorum, according to this report, and possibly act as a source of infection for humans via the food supply.

Dietary supplementation of water extract of Eucommia ulmoides bark improved caecal microbiota and parameters of health in white‐feathered broilers

“…More Escherichia coli in the gut microbiota increases the risk of gut salmonella infection (Li, Meng, et al, 2022). In addition, the contamination of Helicobacter species (Helicobacter pullorum) in local wild birds and broiler chickens may cause infection to humans via the food supply chain (Elhelw et al, 2022). Therefore, adding Eucommia ulmoides to the diet may serve as a prevention strategy to protect broiler chicks.…”

Avian campylobacteriosis, prevalence, sources, hazards, antibiotic resistance, poultry meat contamination, and control measures: a comprehensive review

“…The incidence in commercial broiler farms differs mostly according to the age of the animals ( Koutsoumanis et al, 2020 ; Elhelw et al, 2022 ). Under the commercial system, Campylobacter is hardly detected in broilers 1 to 3 wk of age, but newly born chicken can be in vitro challenged with C. jejuni ( Sahin et al, 2001 ).…”