Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Immunization of Alpacas (Lama pacos) with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies
Published on: January 26, 2019
Listeria associated mural and valvular endocarditis in an alpaca
Megan J McLane1, John W Schlipf, Marco L Margiocco
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA. megjm@att.net
Abstract:
An alpaca presented for emergency evaluation of respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed weakness, pyrexia, and a grade V/VI left apical holosystolic murmur. Initial thoracic examination and radiographs were consistent with left sided congestive heart failure. Blood cultures, echocardiographic evaluation, and necropsy findings established a diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis associated with a Listeria monocytogenes infection. Left ventricular endocarditis is uncommon in ruminants, and to the authors' knowledge there are no other reports of L. monocytogenes being the causative agent in an alpaca.
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