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Survival of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida in aerosols and aqueous liquids
C M Thomson1, N Chanter, C M Wathes
1Institute for Animal Health, Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The survival of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida in air and liquids was studied to identify possible risk factors in the etiology of atrophic rhinitis. In aerosols, at low relative humidity (28%), the viability of toxigenic P. multocida 5 min after aerosolization was at least 22% of its initial value. Viability at low relative humidity declined to 8% after 45 min. Viability at high relative humidity (79%) was 69% after 5 min and declined to 2% after 45 min. Survival of toxigenic P. multocida in liquids depended on storage and constituents in the liquid. Toxigenic P. multocida became nonculturable 1 to 14 days after inoculation in water and artificial seawater, depending on the storage temperature. Toxigenic P. multocida stored at 37 degrees C could be detected for up to 6 days in pig slurry and more than 36 days in Bacto Tryptose broth and nasal lavages. However, in Bacto Tryptose broth and nasal lavages stored at 4 degrees C, P. multocida was detected for up to 14 days whereas at 15 and 37 degrees C it was detected for more than 49 days. These results suggest that aerosols and fomites can play a role in the transmission of atrophic rhinitis.
Insights
Toxigenic Pasteurella multocida survives in aerosols and liquids, indicating potential transmission routes for atrophic rhinitis. Environmental factors like humidity and storage conditions significantly impact bacterial viability.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Atrophic rhinitis is a significant swine respiratory disease.
- Understanding the survival of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida in aerosols and various liquid environments.
- To identify potential risk factors and transmission routes for atrophic rhinitis.
Main Methods:
- Aerosolization of toxigenic P. multocida at different relative humidity levels.
- Incubation of P. multocida in water, artificial seawater, pig slurry, Bacto Tryptose broth, and nasal lavages at various temperatures.
- Monitoring bacterial viability over time using culturability assays.
Main Results:
- P. multocida viability in aerosols decreased rapidly, especially at low relative humidity (8% after 45 min at 28% RH).
- Survival in liquids varied: nonculturable in water/seawater within 1-14 days, but persisted longer in pig slurry (up to 6 days at 37°C) and nutrient broths/lavages (over 49 days at 15-37°C).
- Higher storage temperatures generally favored longer survival in nutrient-rich liquids.
Conclusions:
- Aerosols and fomites (contaminated liquids/surfaces) are likely transmission routes for toxigenic P. multocida.
- Environmental persistence of the bacteria supports its role in the epidemiology of atrophic rhinitis.
- Management strategies should consider environmental decontamination and control of aerosol spread.
