The Need: Combating Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) Infections in Poultry

Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) poses a significant threat to the poultry industry worldwide, causing severe economic losses due to increased mortality and decreased growth rate of infected birds. Additionally, APEC is suspected to be a potential source of antimicrobial resistance, which further complicates its treatment. To address this urgent need for effective control and prevention of APEC infections, we present groundbreaking anti-APEC agents as powerful therapeutics for managing APEC outbreaks in poultry.

The Technology: Advanced Anti-APEC Agents

The technology consists of innovative anti-APEC agents that offer two distinct mechanisms to combat APEC infections in poultry. These agents have been specifically designed to target APEC strains effectively, including antimicrobial-resistant variants, while providing added advantages in combination with other antibiotics. The technology encompasses two types of anti-APEC agents: growth inhibitors that target the APEC cell membrane and quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) that reduce the bacterial virulence of APEC.

Commercial Applications:

• Treatment of APEC Infections: The anti-APEC agents can be administered to infected avian subjects to effectively treat APEC infections, reducing the impact of outbreaks and minimizing economic losses in the poultry industry.

• Eradication of APEC Biofilms: These agents exhibit activity against APEC biofilms in poultry facilities, such as water lines and drinker systems, helping to maintain a healthier environment and prevent recurring infections.

• Prophylactic Use in Flock Management: Implementing these agents as part of a flock management protocol can proactively control APEC infections. When an APEC infection is detected in a flock, administering the anti-APEC agents to all members of the flock can prevent the spread of the infection and protect the overall flock health.

Benefits/Advantages:

• Broad Effectiveness: The growth inhibitors and QSIs demonstrate efficacy against various APEC strains, including those resistant to other antimicrobial drugs, making them versatile solutions for managing diverse outbreaks.

• Synergistic Action: The growth inhibitors enhance the uptake and penetration of antibiotics with intracellular targets, potentially reducing the dosage of other antibiotics required for effective treatment. The QSIs can also sensitize APEC to additional antimicrobial agents, improving the overall treatment outcomes.

• Reduced Antimicrobial Resistance: By providing alternative treatment methods, the technology may help reduce the reliance on conventional antibiotics in poultry, potentially mitigating the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains.

• Cost-Effective Flock Management: Incorporating these anti-APEC agents into flock management protocols can lead to significant economic benefits by minimizing losses due to infections and preventing disease spread.

• Biofilm Eradication: The ability of the agents to combat APEC biofilms ensures cleaner and healthier poultry facilities, reducing the risk of recurring infections and improving overall flock welfare.

In summary, our advanced anti-APEC agents offer an effective, versatile, and innovative solution to combat APEC infections in poultry, thereby addressing a critical commercial need in the poultry industry while potentially contributing to the reduction of antimicrobial resistance. Implementing these agents in flock management protocols and treatment strategies can lead to improved bird health, increased productivity, and greater economic gains for poultry producers worldwide.