General Data

Project Phases

DS1: Determination of critical points for the introduction and spread of S. Infantis in broiler flocks

1.1. Sampling scheme
1.1.1. Sampling of animal facilities
1.1.2. Sampling of the surroundings of animal facilities 
1.2. Bacteriological examinations
1.3. Selection of isolates for WGS typing 
1.4. Implementation of the WGS method and bioinformation analysis 

DS2: Molecular typing of strains S. Infantis with a focus on resistance determinants

2.1. Bacteriological examinations 
2.2. Identification of isolates with ESBL determinants
2.3. Selection of isolates for WGS typing
2.4. Implementation of the WGS method and bioinformation data analysis

DS3: Effectiveness of methods for cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses

3.1. Assessment and analysis of the condition of facilities, breeding technology and sanitation procedures
3.2. Introduction of new technological measures

DS4: Identification of antibacterial activity of biocides on S. Infantis biofilms.

4.1. Screening for the ability of isolates to form biofilm
4.1.1. Optimization and determination of biofilm activity
4.2. Ability to form biofilm on different surfaces
4.3. Determination of the effectiveness of cleaning and biocidal products on biofilms
4.4. Putting into practice

DS5: IgY antibodies against S. Infantis for passive immunization of chickens and determination of their effectiveness and specificity

5.1. Immunization of experimental hens
5.2. Detection of antibodies in serum and egg yolk
5.3. Isolation of IgY from egg yolk
5.4. Determination of efficacy and specificity of IgY

DS6: Development of guidelines for the management of contamination of S-house stables. Infantis and S. Infantis with ESBL determinants

Project description

In Europe, S. Infantis is the most frequently isolated Salmonella serotype in broilers and accounts for more than half of all Salmonella isolates from broiler flocks and meat. In Slovenia, S. Infantis is often recurrently isolated in the same farms and facilities, indicating the exceptional environmental persistence of this serotype and its high ability to spread in broiler farms. In this project, we will identify critical points for the introduction and spread of S. Infantis in broiler farms. WGS will be used for typing of selected isolates. Outside the host, biofilm is one of the most important risk factors for bacterial resistance and survival. Within the framework of this project, the effectiveness of existing cleaning methods to prevent residual contamination in poultry houses will be determined. The susceptibility of biofilms of genetically diverse S. Infantis isolates to different biocides will be evaluated. Based on the results of the in vitro tests, the suitability and efficacy of biocides for the farm remediation will be evaluated. In addition to biosecurity measures, preventive vaccinations are a feasible method to prevent infections of poultry with pathogenic microorganisms. Currently, no S. Infantis vaccine for broiler chickens is available on the market for mass application. The production and oral administration of specific antibodies derived from chicken eggs represents a cost-effective alternative for the prevention and treatment of S. Infantis infection. Specific IgY antibodies are expected to lead to a reduction in gastrointestinal susceptibility to S. Infantis infection. To determine the efficacy and specificity of IgY antibodies, an in vitro method on enterocyte cell cultures will be introduced that can be used to study performance and interactions with pathogenic microorganisms in digestive tract in poultry. If the presence of ESBL-producing S. Infantis is detected, additional biosecurity measures will be proposed for prevention for spreading of these strains. S. Infantis isolates will be compared with previously typed isolates from broiler flocks. We will develop guidelines for effective contamination management of farms before, during and after housing of broiler flocks. Training of breeders and veterinarians on contamination control of S. Infantis will be organized.

Structure of the project group

SICRIS

Final Report