Isolation of Brachyspira pilocicoli from Gastrointestinal Tract of Commercial Chickens in Khuzestan, South West Iran

Brachyspira pilosicoli is an intestinal spirochete which colonizes in cecum, colon and rectum of the birds. This infection in broiler and laying chicken may cause disorders such as: diarrhea, reduced egg production, pasty vents, fecal staining of egg shells, poor shell quality, pale egg yolks, increased feed consumption, slower growth and poor feed digestion.. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify B. pilosicoli from broiler and laying chicken.. This study was conducted by using bacteriological examination and PCR in Khuzestan located in the South West of Iran. Totally 150 samples of broiler chicken feces and 100 samples of laying chicken feces were collected. The samples were cultured on blood agar containing three antibiotics (vancomycin 12.5µg/mL, spiramaycin 25µg/mL and spectinomycin 400 µg/mL).The colonies of intestinal spirochetes were studied by PCR.. Intestinal spirochetes were isolated in 21 out of 150 fecal samples of broiler chicken and in 9 out of 100 fecal samples of laying chicken. Species identification of isolates was done by PCR using 16SrRNA gene specific for B. pilosicoli. B. pilosicoli was isolated in 13 out of 21 positive broilers and in 4 out of 9 positive laying chickens.. This study showed that B. pilosicoli exists in the broiler and laying chicken in the region. This intestinal pathogen may be considered as a major cause of production threats and economic losses in chicken farms in the region of study..