Sm Lutful Kabir

Colibacillosis and Its Impact on Egg Production

Abstract Avian colibacillosis is considered a major bacterial disease causing severe economic repercussions to poultry producers worldwide. Egg-laying strains of chickens, in particular, have experienced a resurgence of this disease. Most strains of Escherichia coli are not harmful to poultry; however, a few virulent strains referred to as avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) can induce either localized or systemic infections. The APEC strains have developed resistance to many antibiotics, and they may trigger zoonotic infections. Human populations living close to poultry hubs with poor hygienic practices are especially at high risk of developing E. coli infection. The characteristics, pathologies, and invasion routes of APEC along with the host’s immune response to APEC, the virulence factors used in the counterattack by APEC, and control strategies for minimizing outbreaks of avian colibacillosis are discussed.