Enterococcus cecorum (EC) in Poultry

Enterococcus cecorum (EC), formerly recognized as a commensal bacterium of the avian gastrointestinal tract, has emerged as an important pathogen causing septicemia and musculoskeletal disorders in poultry worldwide. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding the microbiology, epidemiology, transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, antimicrobial resistance, and control of EC infections in poultry. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and studies published in English up to May ۲۰۲۶ were evaluated. After screening and eligibility assessment, ۵۰ publications were included in a qualitative narrative synthesis. The reviewed literature indicates that pathogenic EC strains differ from commensal strains by their ability to colonize the intestinal tract during the first week of life, disseminate systemically, persist under adverse environmental conditions, and establish infections in bones and joints. Disease progression typically follows a biphasic course consisting of an early septicemic phase followed by skeletal lesions such as vertebral osteomyelitis, enterococcal spondylitis, arthritis, and paralysis. Environmental persistence, biofilm formation, impaired intestinal barrier integrity, management factors, and concurrent infections contribute to disease development and transmission. Diagnostic confirmation relies on bacteriological, molecular, pathological, and epidemiological investigations. Antimicrobial resistance profiles vary considerably among isolates, complicating treatment strategies. Alternative preventive approaches, including probiotics, organic acids, selenium nanoparticles, and vaccines, have shown promising results. Overall, EC has become a significant emerging pathogen in poultry production, and further research is required to clarify its virulence mechanisms, transmission pathways, and effective control strategies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Enterococcus cecorum ، poultry ، enterococcal spondylitis ، vertebral osteomyelitis ، antimicrobial resistance ، broiler chickens