Investigations of the pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis in an experimental footpad infection model in broiler breeders

    Abstract

    In broiler breeder flocks an increase in mortality due to septicaemic infections may be observed over time, with sepsis, endocarditis and arthritis as
    the major manifestations. Additionally footpad integrity is seen to decline throughout the production period with suboptimal litter quality and heavy
    breeds as predisposing factors. Although the pathogenesis of these infections is not fully elucidated, the aetiology is often Gram positive cocci, such
    as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. It is hypothesized that footpad lesions serve as port of entry for systemic or localised bacterial
    infections.
    In the present study experimental infections with S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis was made using footpads as port of entry in old broiler
    breeders. Two different clinical S. aureus isolates and one E. faecalis isolate where used as inoculum at different doses, by intradermal application
    in the central foot pad. Birds underwent full post mortem and bacteriological investigation 3, 7 and 14 days after infection.
    Inoculation of the S. aureus resulted in systemic lesions (sepsis, endocarditis and arthritis) as well as injection site abscesses. The lesions and
    bacterial re-isolation in the birds receiving the S. aureus originating from bumble foot were restricted to the footpad only. Similar to the S.
    aureus the E. faecalis infected birds contracted both systemic and local lesions. Bacterial re-isolation was demonstrated in a pattern similar to the
    pathological findings.
    Both systemic and local experimental infections were successfully established. Inoculation resulted in systemic lesions (sepsis, endocarditis and
    arthritis), corresponding to natural cases under field conditions, as well as injection site abscesses. Apparently, both strain, dose and time
    dependent bacteriological and pathological responses in relation to the experimental infection occur.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationVetpath 2016 conference abstracts
    Number of pages1
    Place of PublicationPrato
    Publication dateOct 2016
    Pages5-5
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2016
    EventVETPATH 2016 - Monash University, Prato, Italy
    Duration: 11 Oct 201614 Oct 2016

    Conference

    ConferenceVETPATH 2016
    LocationMonash University
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityPrato
    Period11/10/201614/10/2016

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    • VETPATH 2016

      Thøfner, I. (Speaker)

      11 Oct 201614 Oct 2016

      Activity: Participating in or organising an event typesOrganisation of and participation in conference

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