Related Experiment Videos
Pasteurella multocida colonization and invasion in experimentally exposed turkey poults
1United States Department of Agriculture, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, Iowa 50010.
Abstract:
Turkey poults were examined microbiologically to detect colonization and invasion following exposure to selected strains of Pasteurella multocida. A variety of host tissues was examined 24 hours or less after exposure via the upper respiratory tract. Recovery of P. multocida from the dorsal pharynx was used as an indicator of colonization; recovery from selected internal organs was used as an indicator of invasion. The frequency of colonization and invasion by capsulated and uncapsulated forms of an avirulent live-vaccine strain was low. A virulent strain readily colonized and invaded. Colonization occurred in less than 6 hours after exposure, and invasion occurred between 6 and 12 hours after exposure.
Insights
This study investigated Pasteurella multocida in turkey poults. A virulent strain caused rapid colonization and invasion, unlike the live-vaccine strain, highlighting risks in poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Pathology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a significant pathogen in poultry.
- Understanding its colonization and invasion dynamics is crucial for disease control in turkey poults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To microbiologically assess the colonization and invasion of turkey poults by different strains of Pasteurella multocida.
- To determine the timeline of colonization and invasion following respiratory tract exposure.
Main Methods:
- Turkey poults were exposed to selected Pasteurella multocida strains via the upper respiratory tract.
- Host tissues were examined within 24 hours post-exposure for bacterial recovery.
- Colonization was indicated by pharyngeal recovery; invasion by internal organ recovery.
Main Results:
- An avirulent live-vaccine strain (both capsulated and uncapsulated forms) showed low colonization and invasion rates.
- A virulent strain demonstrated efficient colonization and invasion.
- Colonization was detected within 6 hours, with invasion occurring between 6 and 12 hours post-exposure.
Conclusions:
- Virulent Pasteurella multocida strains pose a significant risk to turkey poults due to rapid colonization and invasion.
- Avirulent vaccine strains exhibit limited pathogenic potential in young turkeys.
- The rapid onset of colonization and invasion by virulent strains underscores the need for effective biosecurity and vaccination strategies.