Pathology and metagenomics based diagnosis of respiratory diseases complex in poultry

Abstract

The present research work was envisaged the appraisal of next generation shotgun sequencing based identification of the bacterial pathogens and pathomorphological changes in various organs of the respiratory tract. A total 12 birds were collected from poultry farm reared under deep litter system in and around Palanpur (Banaskantha), Gujarat. Six healthy birds and six birds with respiratory signs were collected. Based on next generation shotgun sequencing, Chlamydia psittaci, O. Rhinotracheale, E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma imitans were found in birds. The pathomorphological changes were predominantly found in trachea, lungs and air sacs of all the affected birds but the extent and severity varied in different flocks as well as in different birds. Early and accurate detection of pathogens may help in understanding and monitoring the respiratory infection and reduce the heavy economic losses in poultry industry.