Enterococcus cecorum is a commensal bacterium of avian species that has emerged as a major cause of lameness in poultry, compromising animal health and welfare and causing significant economic lost and frequent antibiotic treatments. We performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of clinical isolates of E. cecorum and showed that disease-associated clones belong mainly a main phylogenetic clade. We have isolated virulent bacteriophages in order to develop phage solutions. We would like to combine phage and microbiota strategies to act synergistically against E. cecorum. To this end we will characterise the chicken's commensal bacteria acting against E. cecorum colonisation and isolate relevant species using our culturomic facilities.

Micalis is part of INRAE, AgroParisTech and University of Paris-Saclay. Micalis develops innovative research on microorganisms associated with food, the gut microbiota and in relation to human and animal health. The team “Commensalism and Pathogenesis of Enterococci” is expert in molecular genetics of enterococci and interaction with the host and microbiota. Our research seeks to develop prevention, therapeutic, and diagnostic strategies against multi-resistant pathogens.