Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Demonstrator at Department of veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo University.
2
department of veterinary hygiene and management, faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo university.
3
Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
4
Department of veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo University.
10.21608/ejvs.2025.422909.3121
Abstract
The water supply system with inadequate maintenance and poor water quality management can lead to significant microbial risks. Biofilm-forming strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) have a substantial negative impact on both animal health and water quality. This study aimed to characterize biofilm-associated E. coli in poultry water systems by assessing their prevalence, the molecular characteristics of biofilms, and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Thirty biofilm samples were collected from the water supply lines. Total viable count, coliform count, fungal count, and total staphylococcus spp. Were all analyzed as part of the microbiological analyses. E. coli was isolated using selective media, and its molecular identity was verified by amplifying the 16s RNA gene. Biofilm-related genes (FimH and LuxS) were identified by PCR, and biofilm development was measured using tissue culture plate methods. E. coli was detected in 63.3% of samples, and genes linked to biofilms are significantly present (FimH in 68.4% and LuxS in 73.6%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that groups A and D were predominant. The isolates tested showed variation in biofilm formation, with 47.4% identified as strong producers, 21% as moderate producers, and 31.6% as weak producers. Cefepime demonstrated the greatest resistance (78.9%), whereas azithromycin, gentamicin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid displayed significant susceptibility. Correlations were observed between antibiotic resistance profiles, biofilm formation, and the presence of biofilm-associated genes. Our findings indicate the persistence of biofilm-forming multidrug-resistant E. coli in chicken’s farms water systems, highlighting the importance of enhancing water hygiene and monitoring to reduce public health risks.
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