Pathological and bacteriological investigation of colibacillosis in broiler chickens: A case report

Abstract

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)-induced colibacillosis is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting poultry and causing significant financial losses. In the present study, colibacillosis cases in broiler chickens were reported, with emphasis on the macroscopic lesions and identification of bacterial etiology. Gross pathology included fibrinous pericarditis, perihepatitis, and a "bread and butter" appearance of the liver with a thick fibrinous layer. Bacterial etiology was identified as Escherichia coli based on its growth characteristic on MacConkey lactose agar, eosin and methylene blue agar, and triple sugar iron agar.