Emergence of multidrug-resistant and virulent Escherichia coli with APEC‑associated traits in broiler chickens from Ismailia, Egypt

Emergence of multidrug-resistant and virulent Escherichia coli with APEC‑associated traits in broiler chickens from Ismailia, Egypt

This study investigated Escherichia coli associated with colibacillosis in broiler chickens from two farms in Egypt (April–July 2024). Of the samples collected from diseased birds, 28.5% yielded E. coli, with lesions consistent with systemic infection. All isolates showed strong pathogenic potential (positive hemolysis and Congo red tests) and were predominantly classified into phylogenetic groups B2, B1, and D. Antimicrobial susceptibility test…