Characterization and Antibiogram of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Associated with Mortality in Broilers and Ducklings in Bangladesh

Abstract

Mortality in broilers (6.56%) and growing ducks (11.0%) caused by Escherichia coli was recorded in the experimental flocks study during the period from May to August 2003. E. coli organisms isolated from broiler birds affected with characteristic lesions of omphalitis and yolk sac infection, fibrinous pericarditis and peri-hepatitis , hemorrhagic enteritis, and accumulation of excessive pericardial and peritoneal fluid, whereas from ducks with lesions of hemorrhagic enteritis and extensive epicardial hemorrhages. Each of the 21 isolates collected from broilers and 11 isolates from ducks was characterized by cultural and biochemical studies, of which 8 isolates from broilers and 5 isolates from ducks were tested for antibiotic sensitivity with 9 different antibiotics. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern showed that the isolates were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin but an increasing trend of resistance was recorded in broilers (7 / 9) than duck (4 / 9) isolates. It may be concluded from the results of this study that the high rate of E. coli infection in broilers and ducks along with the high resistance of isolates to antibiotics constitute a threat to the poultry industry in Bangladesh. Key words: Escherichia coli infection; mortality; broilers; ducks; characterization; antibiogram doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i1.1927 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (1) : 09-14