High seroprevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in Brazilian goat herds revealed by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis secreted proteins-based ELISA

We conducted a seroepidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in goat herds in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Serum samples were collected from goats (n = 676) from 108 rural properties in 2001, covering most of the sub-regions of this ca. 586,500 square kilometer state. Antibodies against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis secreted proteins were detected by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Most of the animals (78.9%) tested positive for CLA; 98% of flocks presented at least one seropositive animal. Goats managed under an extensive production system had a significantly higher seroprevalence of CLA than those in intensive and semi-intensive operations. The age distribution of the animals in the flocks affected the prevalence of this disease; however, goat breed did not. We found seropositivity against C. pseudotuberculosis to be highly prevalent in these Brazilian goat herds; consequently, appropriate management practices for the control of CLA should be implemented.     

Detection of antibodies and risk factors for infection with bovine respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus-3 in beef cattle of Yucatan, Mexico

We collected blood samples from 756 > or =2-year-old cattle in 54 herds in Yucatan, Mexico, and used all of those to determine the antibody seroprevalences (in an indirect enzyme-linked inmunosorbance assay) to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and risk factors for animal-level seropositivity. We used 728 of the same samples (from 52 of the same herds) to do the same for parainfluenza virus-3 (PIV3). Cattle were selected by two-stage cluster sampling. Herd-level and animal-level risk factors were obtained through a personal interview. We analyzed the data by using a random-effects multivariable logistic regression model for clustered observations. All herds had at least 3 (BRSV) or 5 (PIV3) seropositive animals. The animal-level true seroprevalences were: 90.8% (86.5, 95.2%) and 85.6% (80.9, 90.4%) for BRSV and PIV3, respectively. Animals in large herds and old animals had the highest odds of being seropositives to BRSV, and those risk factors plus animals born on the farm for PIV3 infection.     

An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in dairy goats: First report of the disease in the Netherlands

Summary

An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in which three herds of goats were involved is described. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was shown to be the causative organism. The outbreak was associated with imported goats. As this first report of C. pseudotuberculosis causing caseous lymphadenitis as a clinical entity in small ruminants in the Netherlands, clinical and epizootiological aspects as well as possible methods of control are discussed.     

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in goats. II. The prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis in 36 goat herds in Northern Norway

The precalen-ce of caseous lymphadenitis was surveyed in 36 goat herds in Northern Norway. In each herd, information concerning the occurrence of the disease was obtained from the farmer. Adult animals (1 year of age or older) in 35 herds were examined for superficial swellings, and serum samples were collected from most animals in the herds. The sera were examined for antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuber-culosis using the bacterial agglutination test (BAT) and the hemolysis inhibition test (HIT).Gaseous lymphadenitis was diagnosed with certainty in 19 herds. Information from the farmers indicated that the disease indeed oc-curred in these herds, and that the majority had been infected with the disease for many years. The herds had apparently become infected through contact with animals from infected herds. Clinical examina-tions were carried out in 18 of these herds and superficial swellings were found in 26 % of the examined animals. The prevalence of ani-mals with lesions varied from 11 to 40 % among the herds. Of the animals in these herds, 81 % were positive in BAT and 84 % in HIT. The prevalence of positive animals varied from 26 to 99 % in BAT and 28 to 99 % in HIT. The prevalence of seropositive animals was lowest in a herd in which animals were kept separately in stalls.Caseous lymphadenitis could not be diagnosed in 16 herds. In-formation from the farmers indicated that the disease indeed seemed to be absent in 14 of these herds. These 14 herds had no history of contact with animals from herds considered to be infected. However, in the remaining 2 herds, the farmers were somewhat uncertain about the occurrence of the disease. One of these 2 herds had a history of contact with infected herds through participation in a goat “breeding circle”. Only a few of the animals were, however, seropositive and all these had low antibody titres.In 1 newly established herd, a single animal showed a high posi-tive titre in BAT only. All the other animals were negative in both tests. This particular herd consisted of animals obtained both from herds with caseous lymphadenitis and from herds in which the disease was not considered to occur.     

Synergistic hemolysis-inhibition titers associated with caseous lymphadenitis in a slaughterhouse survey of goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil

A survey of caseous lymphadenitis was conducted at a goat and sheep slaughterhouse in Northeastern Brazil One hundred and fifty-eight goats and 43 sheep were examined for the presence of abscesses, with bacterial culturing of purulent material to define the etiological agent. Blood was collected simultaneously for determination of serological titer via the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test which measures antibodies to an exotoxin of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Thirteen and nine-tenths percent of the goats had abscesses, with a high proportion having mediastinal or pulmonary lesions (9.5%). Two sheep had abscesses, both with internal organ involvement. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was the most frequently isolated organism. Of 22 goats with abscesses, 20 were positive via the synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test. Both of the sheep with abscesses had positive synergistic hemolysis-inhibition titers. The proportion of serological reactors was greater than the proportion of animals with abscesses. The synergistic hemolysis-inhibition test may be detecting subclinically infected animals.     

The Norwegian Healthier Goats programme – A financial cost–benefit analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the profitability to dairy goat farmers of participating in the Healthier Goats disease control and eradication programme (HG), which was initiated in 2001 and is still running. HG includes the control and eradication of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) and paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in Norwegian goat herds.     

Isolation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis from the cervical canal of clinically normal sows

Two isolates from the cervical canal of clinically normal sows were indistinguishable from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in their biochemical properties and genetic homology by dna-dna hybridisation. Furthermore, three sheep inoculated with one of the isolates developed typical lesions of caseous lymphadenitis and gave antibody responses specifically to C pseudotuberculosis.     

Clinicopathological investigation on caseous lymphadenitis in local breed sheep in Algeria

This study was carried out of 4,419 animals raised in an extensive system on local breed sheep of the Tiaret region during 2 years (2010–2011) to determine some clinical and pathological aspects associated to caseous lymphadenitis (CL). Clinical examination revealed a prevalence rate of 5.7 %. CL prevalence rate was significantly higher in females (6 %) than in males (4.8 %). The most affected superficial lymph nodes were mandibular lymph nodes (46.1 %). Gross examination of 1,679 carcasses of sheep at the abattoir revealed the presence of abscesses on 250 carcasses (14.9 %). Out of 105 cases showing lesions of CL, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (53.6 %) was isolated as mixed infection with Staphylococcus aureus (43 %) and Escherechia coli (17.9 %). CL prevalence was significantly higher in adult than in young sheep and in female than in male ones. Visceral form of CL was associated to “thin ewe syndrome” responsible for significant economic losses in Algeria.     

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for brucellosis of goats in herds of Michoacan, Mexico

Our objectives were to estimate the seroprevalence of Brucella melitensis, and to identify some risk factors associated with goat seropositivity in Michoacan, Mexico. Blood samples were collected from 5114 animals from 79 herds. Sera were tested for antibodies against B. melitensis using the Rose Bengal plate test and the complement-fixation test. Information regarding the herds and each animal sampled were recorded through a personal interview at the farm. We used random-effects multivariable logistic regression to analyze our data. Fifty-six herds of the 79 tested had at least one seropositive animal. The animal-level true seroprevalence was 9.8% (CI = 8.8, 10.7). Animals in large herds (>34 animals), in herds with high stock density (>3.5 animals/m²) or animals >24 months old had higher odds of seropositivity (2.0, 1.7 and 1.8, respectively) than those in small herds, in herds with low stock density or animals ≤24 months old.     

Evaluation of the risk factors influencing the spread of caseous lymphadenitis in goat herds

Epidemiological studies on caseous lymphadenitis were carried out in Poland in 1996 and 2002 among goat herds covered by a milk recording program. Between-herd seroprevalence was 13.2% in 1996 and increased to 62.5% in 2002. The average size of seropositive herds was statistically significantly higher than that of seronegative ones, however there was no statistically significant difference in the age between the herds. A statistically significant prevalence ratio (PR) was identified and relevant attributable risk for exposed animals (AR(exp)) was calculated for the following risk factors: presence of seropositive males in a herd (PR = 8.350; AR(exp) = 0.651), presence of superficial abscesses in animals (PR = 6.142; AR(exp) = 0.620), presence of respiratory signs (PR = 2.900; AR(exp) = 0.393), presence of animals in poor condition in a herd (PR = 2.774; AR(exp) = 0.390) and occurrence of reproductive failures in a herd (PR = 1.798; AR(exp) = 0.230). Purchase of animals from abroad, mastitis and husbandry conditions (housing system, grazing system, hygienic conditions) were not shown to be statistically significant risk factors.     

Caseous Lymphadenitis in Goats: The Pathogenesis,Incubation Period and Serological Response after Experimental Infection

Twenty goats, in two groups of 10, were injected intradermally with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The doses of infection were 1×10⁵ and 5×10⁴ colony-forming units (cfu) for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Thereafter, a goat from each group was killed every 2–3 days and examined for gross and microscopic caseous lesions in the draining lymph nodes. Bands or zones of macrophages and polymorphonuclear granulocytes were observed microscopically on the second day of infection in both groups. Gross caseous lesions were observed from days 8 and 9 of infection, respectively. Positive bacterial agglutination test and haemolysis inhibition test titres were detected after 15–17 days and 20–25 days of infection, respectively. These results indicated that caseous lymphadenitis is a subacute disease with an incubation period of 8–9 days, but that it is not detectable serologically until after 15 days of infection.     

New infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis reduces wool production

SUMMARY The effect of natural Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection on wool production and quality in sheep was examined in light of evidence that artificial C pseudotuberculosis infection causes wool production loss. A toxin ELISA was used to identify sheep that had been infected with C pseudo tuberculosis. Greasy and clean fleece weights and fibre diameter were compared in infected and uninfected sheep. C pseudotuberculosis infection caused a 3.8 to 4.8% decrease in greasy wool production and a 4.1 to 6.6% decrease in clean wool production. C pseudotuberculosis infection did not affect fibre diameter. The effects of caseous lymphadenitis (the disease caused by C pseudotuberculosis infection) cause an annual loss of about $17 million in wool production to the Australian wool industry.     

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in goats. IX. The effect of vaccination against natural infection

A vaccination trial was carried out in 10 infected herds. The trial included 247 female kids, the number of animals in each herd varying from 15 to 38. About half of the animals in each herd were vaccinated twice at 3 to 4 week intervals, the first vaccination being carried out before the age of 4 months. A combination of a crude filtrate of C. pseudotuberculosis toxoid with whole organisms, was used. Overall, the prevalence of animals with superficial swellings was higher in the unvaccinated than in the vaccinated group during the first 1-2 years following immunization. However, in some herds superficial swellings were as common in vaccinated as in unvaccinated animals. An antibody response following vaccination was demonstrated in the hemolysis inhibition test, but not in the bacterial agglutination test. Superficial swellings were more common in vaccinated animals which were negative than in animals which were positive in the hemolysis inhibition test at 1 1/2 months after vaccination. The vaccine used in the present study, was not sufficiently efficacious to be recommended as the only protective measure against caseous lymphadenitis in Norwegian goat herds.     

Prevalence and risk factors associated with goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in the Sertão region of Paraíba State,Brazil

Gastrointestinal helminthiasis represents an obstacle to goat raising, causing severe damage to herds such as growth retardation, weight loss, and even death. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated to goat gastrointestinal helminthiasis in the Sertão region of Paraíba State, Brazil. A total of 256 goats from 54 farms were systematically sampled. Blood and fecal samples were collected from each animal for egg per gram (EPG), larval culture, and packed cell volume (PCV) analyses. We found that 79.3 % of the goats investigated were parasitized with gastrointestinal helminths. Significant correlation (p?=?0.004) was observed between the EPG and PCV of the animals studied, and it was observed that the EPG increases as the PCV decreases. In the larval culture, the most prevalent helminth was Haemonchus sp. (83.2 %). Age and sex were significant variables (p?≤?0.20) for the development of gastrointestinal helminths: 86.8 % of animals over 36 months of age and 81.7 % of females were infected. The variable type of animal exploitation was also significant, with 90.3 % (p?≤?0.20) of the animals presenting double suitability (milk and meat). The Sertão region of Paraíba State presents high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in goats, and age and type of animal exploitation are the most relevant risk factors to the development of these parasites.     

Serological investigation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep--correlation between the hemolysis inhibition test and the ELISA test

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis causes caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats. The animals may be infected without showing clinical symptoms. Several serotests have therefore been employed to detect infected animals. Shen et al (1982) performed an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against the organism using cell wall antigens. Maki et al (1985) found that the toxin of the bacterium was a better antigen for assessing infection in the ELISA test. They reported that the antitoxin ELISA appeared to be as sensitive as the antihemolysin inhibition test (Zaki 1968).     

Risk factors to incidental leptospirosis and its role on the reproduction of ewes and goats of Espírito Santo state,Brazil

Ovine and caprine stockbreeding have been gaining attention in developing countries as an attractive investment. On these animals, infectious diseases of the reproductive tract, such as leptospirosis, can compromise the production leading to economic losses. The present study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with incidental leptospirosis and its influence on the reproductive parameters of ewes and goats of Espírito Santo state, Brazil. A total of 737 animals distributed on 24 herds/flocks were studied, and an overall prevalence of 10.9 % seroreactive animals was observed. Serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most frequent in goats (97.0 %) as well as in ewes (78.3 %). Regarding risk factors related to leptospirosis, the presence of waterholes and the semi-intensive breeding system were the most important associated to seroreactivity. Besides, there was an observed association between seroreactivity and reproductive failures (P?<?0.05). Moreover, seroreactive ewes (relative risk (RR)?=?1.3) and goats (RR?=?1.9) presented more chances to have abortions than seronegative animals. Furthermore, seroreactive ewes presented 11.6 more chances of having premature births when compared to the seronegative ones. It can be concluded that Leptospira infection, mainly those caused incidental strains (such as Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup), is a significant factor to reduce the productivity of small ruminants’ herds/flocks in the studied region, and environmental measures must be considered on control programs.

     

An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in dairy goats: first report of the disease in the Netherlands

An outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in which three herds of goats were involved is described. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was shown to be the causative organism. The outbreak was associated with imported goats. As this first report of C. pseudotuberculosis causing caseous lymphadenitis as a clinical entity in small ruminants in the Netherlands, clinical and epizootiological aspects as well as possible methods of control are discussed.     

Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis in herds under extensive production system in southwestern Nigeria

Using a cross-sectional survey, we determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis in herds under extensive production system in southwestern Nigeria. Antibodies to Brucella species in serum samples were tested using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA); for milk, the milk ring test (MRT) and indirect-ELISA (i-ELISA) were used. Questionnaire was administered to cattle herdsmen to determine factors predisposing the animals to bovine brucellosis. Data were analyzed using STATA 12. From 513 serum and 635 milk samples tested among 120 herds, overall animal-level prevalence of 10.1% (95% CI 7.5–12.7%) and 20.2% (95% CI 17.1–23.3%) were recorded by RBT and MRT, respectively; while 9.4% (95% CI 6.9–11.9%) and 17.8% (95% CI 14.8–20.8%) were obtained using cELISA and i-ELISA, respectively. In all, from the 120 herds tested, 29.2% and 43.3% were positive by RBT and MRT, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that herd location (OR?=?8.12, 95% CI 1.68–38.90) and improper disposal of placenta/fetus (OR?=?17.33, 95% CI 4.81–62.33) were predictors for a seropositive herd using RBT; while herd location (OR?=?5.13, 95% CI 1.27–20.28), large herd size (OR?=?2.62, 95% CI 1.15–5.85), and occurrence of abortion for a year or more (OR?=?4.62, 95% CI 1.53–13.71) were predictors of seropositivity to antibodies to Brucella spp. using MRT. We found high prevalence of brucellosis in cattle herds under extensive management system in southwestern Nigeria. Urgent and coordinated control strategies are required to mitigate this problem.

     

A seroepidemiological investigation of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep flocks in southern Norway

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis causes caseous lymphadenitis, a disease primarily affecting sheep and goats which occurs as a chronic infection characterized by suppurative lymphadenitis (Lovell 1959, Marsh 1965, Jubb & Kennedy 1970, Ayers 1977, Addo & Eid 1978). The disease has an insidious nature and a high prevalence, resulting in large economic losses due to condemnation of carcasses and organs at slaughter (Turner 1973).     

Abscesses and caseous lymphadenitis in goats in tropical semi-arid north-east Brazil

Summary This study reports the incidence of abscesses in relation toCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in goats in north-east Brazil. Among 656 goats examined periodically over almost two years 41·6% were found with superficially palpable abscesses. Most of the infected areas were in the anterior half of the body in front of the pre-scapular region; the inguinal region formed the other prominent area. Among 486 dead or slaughtered goats, 56 (11·5%) revealed abscesses in the internal organs. Lungs and epididymis were affected most, liver, spleen, udder and lateropharyngeal nodes were next in order and kidneys and mediastinal nodes were least affected. Thus the overall incidence of external and internal abscesses was 28·8%; of all the abscesses 27·7% were due toC. pseudotuberculosis and the rest due to infections ofCorynebacterium pyogenes and several species of streptococci or staphylococci. The growth ofC. pseudotuberculosis-infected and non-infected goats was of the same order and it seems that caseous lymphadentitis is not the cause of much financial loss in north-east Brazil but in view of its high incidence remedial measures should be considered necessary in regions where the goat meat industry is likely to become more intensive and important.

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Resumen Este estudio informa sobre la incidencia de abscesos en cabras del nordeste de Brasil. Se examinaron 656 cabras periódicamente durante dos a?os, de las cuales 41·6% se encontraron con abscesos superficiales palpables. Las áreas infectadas correspondieron a la mitad anterior del cuerpo, frente a la región pre-escapular y a la región inguinal. De 486 cabras muertas o faenadas, 56 (11·5%) revelaron abscesos en los órganos internos. De estos, los mas afectados, en orden descendente fueron: pulmones, epididimos, hígado, bazo, ubre, nódulos linfáticos faríngeos, ri?ones y nódulos linfáticos mediastínicos. La incidencia general de abscesos externos e internos fue de 28·8%. De todos los abscesos 27·7% se debieron aCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosis y el resto aC. pyogenes y a especies deStreptococcus y Staphylococcus. El crecimiento de cabras infectadas y no infectadas conC. pseudotuberculosis fue similar, lo que sugiere que la linfadenitis caseosa no ocasiona muchas pérdidas económicas en el nordeste de Brasil pero en vista de su alta incidencia medidas de control deben ser consideradas en regiones donde la industria de carne caprina pueda llegar a ser mas intensiva e importance.

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Résumé Parmi 656 caprins examinés périodiquement pendant presque deux ans, 41,6 p. 100 ontété trouvés porteurs d'abcès palpables superficiels. Dans la plupart des cas, la zone infectée se trouvait dans la moitié antérieure du corps, à l'avant de la région pré-scapulaire. La région inguinale constituait la deuxième zone la plus infectée. Sur 486 animaux morts ou abattus 56 (11,5 p. 100) ont montré des abcès internes affectant en premier lieu les poumons et l'épididyme. Le foie, la rate la vessie, les ganglions pharyngienslatéraux venaient ensuite dans l'ordre. Les ganglions rénaux et médiastinaux étaient les moins affectés. La incidence des abcesses externes et internes a étè de 28,8 p. 100. Globalement, 27,7 p. 100 des abcès étaient dus àC. pseudotuberculosis. le reste àC. pyogenes et à quelques espèces de staphylocoques et streptocoques. la croissance des caprins infectés ou non parC. pseudotuberculosis était à peu près identique et il semble que la lymphadénite caséeuse n'entra?ne pas beaucoup de pertes financières dans le Nord-Est brésilien mais étant donné sa fréquence élevée, des mesures curatives devraient être considérées comme nécessaires dans les régions où l'industrie de la viande de chèvre a des chances de devenir plus intensive et plus importante.