spp. influences transcriptional regulation of intestinal immune markers in laying hens from conventional and organic production systems.

Abstract

1. This study identified the pathogenandin laying hens from conventional and organic production systems and investigated their effects on the transcriptional regulation of intestinal immune markers.2. Molecular identification ofandwas performed by qPCR in faecal and egg samples of both production systems. The relative gene expression of nine intestinal immune response markers in caecal tissue was investigated using RT-qPCR.3.spp. was detected in 33% (13/40) of faecal samples but not in eggs. In conventional hens, detection was 25% (5/20) and in organic hens 40% (8/20). Laying hens harbouringspp. showed upregulation of, important for cytokines regulating antibody production, haematopoiesis and inflammation.4. Overall, identifyingandin poultry helps implement preventive measures to minimise economic losses in poultry farms and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission.