# Staphylococcus spp. Epidemiology, Virulence, Genomic Adaptability and Coinfection in Broiler Chickens

## TL;DR

This review explores how Staphylococcus species cause infections in broiler chickens, focusing on their spread, ability to adapt, and coexistence with other pathogens.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the shift from single-pathogen models to understanding the pathobiome in poultry infections.

## Key findings

- Staphylococcus species frequently co-infect with other microorganisms, leading to severe poultry diseases.
- Advances in molecular diagnostics reveal the importance of the pathobiome concept in poultry health.
- Understanding genomic adaptability and virulence is key to managing staphylococcal infections in broiler chickens.

## Abstract

Staphylococcus species are widely distributed in the environment and contribute to a significant number of infections in broiler chickens. This review provides insight into the epidemiology of staphylococcal pathogens and the role of farm management, hygiene, and bird immunity in pathogen control and disease prevention. Advances in sequencing-based molecular diagnostics are challenging the one pathogen—one disease paradigm, with increased reports of coinfections favouring a concept of the pathobiome rather than the pathogen. We focused on virulence, adaptability, and coinfection.

Staphylococcus species are saprophytic, opportunistic, and nosocomial pathogens that frequently co-infect with other microorganisms, causing severe infections in birds. Some of the notable examples include bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO), cellulitis, dermatitis, and systemic infections. Understanding of how Staphylococcus spp. cause infections evading the host immune system is crucial for helping farmers and veterinarians develop long-term solutions for poultry production system management. The aim of this review is to broaden the understanding of Staphylococcus spp. epidemiology, virulence, genomic adaptability and coinfection patterns. The peer-reviewed articles were obtained from various databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed. The review primarily focused on papers published between 1999 and 2025. The review presents an opportunity to identify research gaps and apply this knowledge to develop innovative approaches to address staphylococcal infections in broiler chickens. Additionally, BCO is often attributed to coinfection with Staphylococcus species and other pathogens.