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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Immunization of Alpacas Lama pacos with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies
Published on: January 26, 2019
Detection and genetic characterization of Pasteurella multocida from alpaca (Vicugna pacos) pneumonia cases
Rocío Rímac1, Luis Luna1, Raquel Hurtado1
1Biology and Molecular Genetic Section, Department of Public and Animal Health. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos National University, Lima, Peru.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a common constituent of upper respiratory tract microbiota but is frequently isolated of alpaca lung tissues from pulmonary infections. Despite its importance, very little is known about this bacteria at molecular level. In order to characterize P. multocida isolates, 24 isolates recovered from 46 mortal acute cases in young alpacas with suspected pneumonia were analyzed, using biochemical and molecular tests for capsule and LPS typing, virulence factors detection, and ERIC-PCR genetic diversity analysis. All the P. multocida isolates belonged to the capsular type A, LPS genotype L6 (related to serotypes 10, 11, 12, and 15), and possessed virulence factors gene toxA and tbpA. ERIC-PCR analysis revealed two electrophoretic profiles, and the majority of isolates (23/24) shared the same fingerprint, indicating strong evidence that there was a common source of infection for all the affect animals. This study revealed the detection of P. multocida type A, LPS genotype L6, and toxA+ and tbpA+ from dead young alpacas with pneumonia in Peru.
Insights
This study characterized Pasteurella multocida from fatal alpaca pneumonia cases in Peru. The findings indicate a common source of infection involving specific bacterial types and virulence factors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a key pathogen in alpaca pneumonia.
- Limited molecular data exists for P. multocida isolates from alpacas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To molecularly characterize P. multocida isolates from young alpacas with pneumonia.
- To investigate the genetic diversity and virulence factors of these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical and molecular tests for capsule and LPS typing.
- Detection of virulence factor genes (toxA, tbpA).
- ERIC-PCR for genetic diversity analysis.
Main Results:
- All isolates were capsular type A, LPS genotype L6.
- All isolates possessed toxA and tbpA virulence genes.
- ERIC-PCR indicated a single common source of infection.
Conclusions:
- P. multocida type A, LPS L6, toxA+, and tbpA+ are associated with alpaca pneumonia in Peru.
- A common source outbreak is strongly suggested by genetic homogeneity.
