Characterization of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from free-range helmeted guineafowl

Borzi, Mariana MoneziCardozo, Marita VedovelliOliveira, Elisabete Schirato dePollo, Andressa de SouzaGuastalli, Elisabete Aparecida LopesSantos, Luis Fernando dosÁvila, Fernando Antonio de

Abstract Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolates from apparently healthy free range helmeted guineafowl were characterized. Most of them had a high frequency of virulence associated genes, multi drug resistance and high pathogenicity. We demonstrated that helmeted guineafowl have potential to transmit antibiotic resistant APEC to other species including humans.

1. APEC
2. Numida meleagris
3. Zoonotic potential
4. Virulence factors
5. Colibacillosis