Effects of differences in virulence of different serovars of Haemophilus paragallinarum on perceived vaccine efficacy

The virulence of four South African field isolates of NAD-dependent Haemophilus paragallinarum and two field isolates of NAD-independent H. paragallinarum has previously been tested in unvaccinated chickens. In this study, the disease profiles caused by the NAD-dependent isolates of H. paragallinarum in vaccinated chickens were studied. It was shown that the clinical signs induced in the vaccinated chickens were substantially less severe than were those in unvaccinated chickens, as was expected. However, due to the high virulence of the serovar C-3 isolates, clinical signs in the vaccinated chickens challenged with this isolate were still detected. These were as severe as those occurring in unvaccinated chickens challenged with serovar B-1 isolates. Although the clinical signs induced in unvaccinated birds challenged with serovar A-1 were more severe than those occurring when vaccinated birds were challenged with serovar C-3, the overall disease profiles were similar. Substantial clinical signs were recorded in vaccinated birds challenged with serovar C-3. This could be interpreted as vaccination failure if the disease profile obtained in unvaccinated birds is not considered. It was found that a high level of protection was provided by this vaccine against challenge by serovar C-3. The high virulence of this serovar resulted in the development of clinical signs in vaccinated birds. These findings could possibly explain the large number of so-called vaccination failures that are reported in South Africa.     

Virulence of South African isolates of Haemophilus paragallinarum. Part 1: NAD-dependent field isolates

The virulence of four South African field isolates of NAD-dependent Haemophilus paragallinarum, representing the four serovars known to occur in that country, was investigated. During this study an alternative challenge model for infectious coryza was used, in which the infectivity as well the virulence of different isolates could be evaluated. The challenge model consisted of the direct challenge, via intrasinus injection of one chicken in a row of interconnected layer cages, containing 10 chickens, which are subsequently infected by natural routes. A scoring system of the clinical signs was established in which a score is given to the ability of the isolate to produce clinical signs in the challenge birds. The mean daily disease score for the flock can be calculated and plotted on a graph to give a graphic representation of the disease profile. A mean disease score, calculated over a 20-day examination period can be calculated. Isolates can then be compared to each other, either graphically or by a comparison of the mean disease scores. It has been demonstrated using this scoring system that the South African serogroup C isolates appear to be more virulent than the South African serogroup A or B isolates. It was further established that the serovar C-3 isolate appeared to be the most virulent.     

Limitation of the spread and impact of infectious coryza through the use of a continuous disinfection programme

The effect of a continuous disinfection programme, using the non-toxic disinfectant Virukill, in layers, on the spread and impact of infectious coryza, caused by Haemophilus paragallinarum was evaluated. In this experiment, both unvaccinated layers and layers vaccinated against infectious coryza were used. Duplicate smaller groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens were challenged with different serovars of both NAD-dependent as well as NAD-independent isolates of Haemophilus paragallinarum. One group of chickens challenged with each of the different becterial serovars was treated with the continuous disinfection programme, while the other group remained as the untreated controls. The clinical signs of infectious coryza were evaluated over a period of 20 days in each group. The egg production over this period was also evaluated. It was found in all experimental challenges, that the severity of the symptoms was reduced in the birds receiving the continuous disinfection programme. The drop in egg production was also found to be less severe in the treated groups when compared to the untreated control groups. The duration of infection was found to be either unchanged, or shorter in the birds treated with the continuous disinfection programme. In none of the experimental challenges was the duration or expression of clinical signs of IC increased due to the continuous disinfection programme.     

Genetic organisation of the capsule transport gene region from Haemophilus paragallinarum

The region involved in export of the capsule polysaccharides to the cell surface of Haemophilus paragallinarum was cloned and the genetic organisation determined. Degenerate primers designed from sequence alignment of the capsule transport genes of Haemophilus influenzae, Pasteurella multocida and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were used to amplify a 2.6 kb fragment containing a segment of the H. paragallinarum capsule transport gene locus. This fragment was used as a digoxigenin labelled probe to isolate the complete H. paragallinarum capsule transport gene locus from genomic DNA. The sequence of the cloned DNA was determined and analysis revealed the presence of four genes, each showing high homology with known capsule transport genes. The four genes were designated hctA, B, C and D (for H. paragallinarum capsule transport genes) and the predicted products of these genes likely encode an ATP-dependent export system responsible for transport of the capsule polysaccharides to the cell surface, possibly a member of a super family designated ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters.     

In this issue – May 2010

Flea-associated infectious agents in cats in Eastern Australia · Complications of barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres · Reproductive efficiency of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses · GPS tracking collars to monitor horses · Correction of vesicovaginal reflux in mares · Antibodies to Lawsonia intracellularis in Australian pig herds · Mucormycosis in the platypus · Panniculitis from Mycobacterium mageritense in a Tasmanian devil     

IN THIS ISSUE – June 2010

Surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia: role of the little raven · Fertility in mares after surgical correction of rectovaginal fistula · Development of method for serial blood sampling from conscious dogs · Specificity of a commercial snake venom detection kit in dog and cat urine · Femoral component failure in canine cemented total hip replacement · Hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a cat · Diclofenac sodium and flunixin meglumine with antibacterial treatment of respiratory disease of calves · Lead-free petrol reduces risk of acute lead poisoning in Australian cattle