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Clonal spread of multi-resistant Gallibacterium anatis isolates among Iranian broilers and layers
Toloe Allahghadry1, Duncan Y K Ng2, Alireza Dibaei3
1Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Veterinary Research
|February 18, 2021
Summary
Gallibacterium anatis is prevalent in Iranian chicken flocks, showing genetic diversity and resistance to common antibiotics. Key antigens were identified, suggesting potential vaccine targets for disease control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Health
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Gallibacterium anatis frequently causes reproductive tract infections in chickens, leading to significant economic losses through reduced egg production and increased mortality.
- Understanding the epidemiology and genetic makeup of G. anatis is crucial for effective disease management in poultry populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Gallibacterium anatis in Iranian poultry flocks.
- To determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns and identify major immunogenic antigens of G. anatis isolates.
- To explore potential vaccine targets for controlling G. anatis infections in chickens.
Main Methods:
- Sample collection from 12 poultry flocks across major chicken-producing Iranian provinces.
- Prevalence testing of Gallibacterium anatis using tracheal samples.
- Genotyping through Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against common antibiotics.
- Detection of major immunogen genes (gtxA, Gab_1309, Gab_2312).
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of G. anatis was detected, with 70% of tracheal samples testing positive.
- Genotyping revealed significant genetic diversity with 24 pulsotypes and seven genome clusters, indicating both common ancestry and clonal spread.
- Identical G. anatis clones were found to be shared among chickens within and between epidemiologically unrelated farms.
- Isolates exhibited reduced sensitivity to tetracycline (76.2%) and enrofloxacin (90.5%), highlighting widespread antimicrobial resistance.
- Three major immunogen genes (gtxA, Gab_1309, Gab_2312) were identified in the isolates.
Conclusions:
- Gallibacterium anatis is widespread in Iranian poultry, with evidence of clonal dissemination across farms.
- The high prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains necessitates the development of non-antibiotic prophylactic strategies.
- The identified immunogenic genes, particularly gtxA, represent promising targets for future vaccine development against G. anatis infections.
