Necrotic enteritis in chickens: a review of pathogenesis, immune responses and prevention, focusing on probiotics and vaccination

Anim Health Res Rev. 2021 Dec;22(2):147-162. doi: 10.1017/S146625232100013X.

Abstract

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens (CP), is one of the most common of poultry diseases, causing huge economic losses to the poultry industry. This review provides an overview of the pathogenesis of NE in chickens and of the interaction of CP with the host immune system. The roles of management, nutrition, probiotics, and vaccination in reducing the incidence and severity of NE in poultry flocks are also discussed.

Keywords: Chickens; Clostridium perfringens; immune response; necrotic enteritis; pathogenesis; probiotics; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens
  • Clostridium Infections* / prevention & control
  • Clostridium Infections* / veterinary
  • Clostridium perfringens / physiology
  • Enteritis* / prevention & control
  • Enteritis* / veterinary
  • Immunity
  • Poultry
  • Poultry Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use
  • Vaccination / veterinary