Transcription profiles of chicken liver and spleen in response to infection with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli at different stages.

ABSTRACT: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an extraintestinal pathogen that causes diverse local and systemic infections in poultry and poses a potential zoonotic threat. Although extensive research has addressed its antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and host immune responses, the temporal transition from early infection to recovery remains poorly characterized. Here, we established a systemic infection model in broilers by inoculating the pectoral muscle with E. coli O18:K1 and monitored sequential changes in organ weights and indices, serum biochemistry, and histopathology. Parallel RNA-sequencing of liver and spleen tissues delineated stage-specific transcriptional reprogramming. Peak mortality occurred 2 days post-infection (dpi) and ceased at 5 dpi. The infected and uninfe

SUBMITTER: Wang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12917521 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature