Quantitative and specific composition of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family in the contents of the small and large intestines of farm birds and identification of the bacterium species E. albertii

This study investigated the quantitative and species composition of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family in the contents of the small and large intestines of ROSS-308 crossbred farm birds, with subsequent identification of Escherichia albertii. Microbiological, biochemical, and molecular genetic methods, including MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were employed. The presence of E. albertii was detected in the microbial landscape of the small intestine in deceased birds, accompanied by a decrease in E. coli counts. The isolated E. albertii strains exhibited broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance and a high capacity for biofilm formation, indicating pronounced pathogenic properties. Genetic identification confirmed 100% nucleotide sequence identity with reference E. albertii strains. The findings highlight the epidemiological significance of E. albertii in farm birds and the need for further studies on its distribution and role in the pathogenesis of infections.