Biochemical characterization of avian strains of Pasteurella multocida in India

Abstract

Biochemical features of 123 Pasteurella multocida strains isolated from chicken (94), ducks (22), quails (4), turkey (2) and geese (l) belonging to different geographical regions of india were studied. All strains exhibited similar cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, however, they differed in their ability to utilize various sugar. Out of 123 strains, 7(5.69%),6(4.88%),89(72.36%), 70(56.9 I%),63(51.12%) and 14( 11.38%) strains decomposed arabinose, dulcitol, sorbitol, trehalose, xylose and lactose, respectively. A total of 12 distinct biovars (l to XII) were identified which categorized avian strains into a predominant P lIlultocida subsp. multocida 1(67.48%), followed by P multocida subsp. septica (26.02%), P multocida subsp. gallidida (3.25%) and unrecognized biovars (3.25%).