First reported fatal Morganella morganii infections in chickens

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Poultry Pathology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

• Morganella morganii is a Gram-negative bacterium typically found in animal and human gastrointestinal tracts.
• While known to cause opportunistic infections in humans, its role in avian diseases is largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm Morganella morganii as the causative agent of a fatal infection in chickens.
• To document the first reported case of M. morganii infection in poultry.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial isolation and identification from infected chickens.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing for precise bacterial identification.
• Experimental infection to establish causality.

Main Results:

• Morganella morganii was successfully isolated and identified from chickens exhibiting fatal illness.
• 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the bacterial identity.
• Experimental inoculation led to disease and mortality in chickens, confirming M. morganii's pathogenicity.

Conclusions:

• Morganella morganii can cause severe, fatal infections in chickens.
• This finding expands the known host range and pathogenic potential of M. morganii.