Molecular studies on Escherichia coli serotypes in Zoo birds

Birds specially pet birds are one of birds species are closely to men , but many times it may considered as a source of diseases to both man and animals. The present study was conducted to assess the occurrence of Escherichia coli in captive wild birds and studying its virulence. A total of 50 pet birds (5 samples from : Indian peacock , White peacock ,Harlequin peacock ,Emu ,Ostrich ,White stroke ,White pelican, Greater flamingo ,Helmeted guinea fowl , while 3 samples from South African falcon and 2 samples from Greated spotted eagle) were used in this study. Bacterial isolation was carried out from cloacal swabs. Hundred percent of birds were positive for E. coli. O158, O159, O18 and O27 serotypes were detected at a percentage of 40,10,10 and 10 %, respectively. Ten randomly selected isolates of E.coli were subjected to PCR examination to demonstrate PhoA and Iss virulence genes in isolated E.coli. Only 2 out of 10 isolates were positive (O158 and O18 serotypes). The antibacterial sensitivity test cleared that both Gentamicin and Polymixin B are drugs of choice .These results demonstrate that birds that were analyzed may carry and spread this bacteria, and preventive measures for human exposure should be determined, as these microorganisms are of public health concerns.