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08:03
Quantifying Vibrio cholerae Colonization and Diarrhea in the Adult Zebrafish Model
Published on: July 12, 2018
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE ETIOLOGICAL ROLE OF VIBRIO FETUS.
T Smith1, R B Little, M S Taylor
1Department of Animal Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N. J.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Vibrio fetus, not Bacillus abortus, caused abortions in heifers. The infection likely entered the herd via purchased cows and spread to young stock, with herd immunity developing over time.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bacteriology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bovine abortions pose significant economic and health challenges in livestock.
- Distinguishing between causative agents like Bacillus abortus and Vibrio fetus is crucial for effective herd management.
- Previous studies have implicated various agents in infectious abortion, necessitating detailed etiological investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of abortions in a specific cattle herd.
- To investigate the transmission dynamics and epidemiological patterns of the abortion outbreak.
- To differentiate the roles of Bacillus abortus and Vibrio fetus in the observed cases.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of fetal tissues and fluids for causative organisms.
- Bacteriological culture and guinea pig inoculation tests for Bacillus abortus.
- Serological agglutination tests on blood serum and milk for antibody detection.
- Histopathological examination of placental tissues.
Main Results:
- Cultures, guinea pig tests, and serological tests ruled out Bacillus abortus in three cases of abortion in heifers.
- Minute organisms resembling vibrios were detected in subchorionic tissues.
- A rise in agglutination titer indicated Vibrio fetus infection, particularly in heifers exposed to older cows.
- The pattern of abortions suggested introduction by purchased cows and subsequent spread to younger stock.
Conclusions:
- Vibrio fetus was identified as the causative agent of abortion in the heifers studied.
- The epidemiological pattern suggests a cycle of introduction, spread, and potential natural immunization within the herd.
- Understanding Vibrio fetus transmission is key to preventing future outbreaks and managing herd health.
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