Three Cases ofEscherichia coliMeningitis in Chicks Imported to Japan

Abstract

Three outbreaks of colibacillosis have occurred in chicks during the quarantine period after importation to Japan. All three were derived from three different countries without epidemiologic relevance. Some birds from each infected flock were examined pathologically and bacteriologically. The characteristic histologic finding common to all three cases was severe bacterial meningitis in the central nervous system. Pericarditis, perihepatitis, and omphalitis with bacterial colonies were also observed. The bacterial colonies observed histologically were immunohistochemically positive for Escherichia coli antigens. Escherichia coli was isolated from the organ samples from each outbreak. At least two E. coli isolates were serotyped as O18 and O161, which differed from the popular serotypes in Japan. These results suggest that avian pathogenic E. coli of uncommon serotypes can be imported from outside countries by infected chicks. Colibacillosis should be included in the differential diagnosis when meningitis is histologically observed in chicks.

Origin of broiler carcass condemnations

“…Litter moisture, which causes ulcerative dermatitis and feet lesions, can affect other body parts in direct contact with the litter, such as the breast. The high content of contaminants can also cause cellulitis (Part et al, 2016), which is associated with serositis, airsaccullitis, pericarditis, perihepatitis, peritonitis, and salpingitis (Kasuya et al, 2017) and constitutes one of the main causes of condemnation in slaughterhouses, with implications for public health due to its principal etiologic agent, Escherichia coli Wijesurendra et al, 2017).…”

RyhB in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Regulates the Expression of Virulence-Related Genes and Contributes to Meningitis Development in a Mouse Model

“…Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an important member of the extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) subgroup. It causes severe systemic disease, such as bacteremia and meningitis in poultry and mouse models [ 1 , 2 ]. APEC and ExPEC strains have a close relationship and share some common genotypic characteristics and virulence factors to cause disease [ 2 , 3 , 4 ].…”