Abstract: Avian intestinal spirochetosis (AIS) is a disease of birds characterized by a marked colonization of the cecum and/or rectum with anaerobic intestinal bacteria of the genus Brachyspira. The purpose of the study was to determine the occurrence of Brachyspira spp from avian sources in Iran and to characterize selected isolates by biochemical and molecular methods. Out of 165 fecal samples obtained from commercial layer, broiler and broiler breeder chickens, turkeys and ostriches, 16 samples were positive in phase contrast microscopy examination and selective culture media. Biochemical scheme, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sequencing of partial sequence of 16S rDNA, revealed that all of isolates were Brachyspira pilosicoli, a broad spectrum host member of this genus that infects both humans and animals. This is the first report on isolation and identification of Brachyspira pilosicoli from birds in Iran.

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