Role of Fimbrial Subunits in Salmonella Enteritidis Colonization in Chickens
Author Information
Author(s): Debra J Clayton, Alison J Bowen, Scott D Hulme, Anthony M Buckley, Victoria L Deacon, Nick R Thomson, Paul A Barrow, Eirwen Morgan, Michael A Jones, Michael Watson, Mark P Stevens
Primary Institution: Division of Microbiology, Institute for Animal Health, Compton, Berkshire, UK
Hypothesis
What is the role of major fimbrial subunits in the colonization of the chicken intestines by Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis?
Conclusion
The study identifies PegA as a significant factor in the colonization of poultry by Salmonella Enteritidis.
Supporting Evidence
- Thirteen fimbrial subunit genes were inactivated to assess their role in colonization.
- Mutations in pegA resulted in significant attenuation of colonization in chickens.
- Plasmid-mediated trans-complementation partially restored the colonization phenotype.
Takeaway
This study found that a specific part of Salmonella bacteria helps it stick to chickens' intestines, which is important for understanding how to prevent infections.
Methodology
The study involved creating mutants of Salmonella Enteritidis and testing their ability to colonize chickens through oral inoculation.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of fimbrial mutations on colonization.
Participant Demographics
Specific pathogen-free out-bred Rhode Island Red chickens were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0006
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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