Capsular groups of Pasteurella multocida isolated from avian hosts

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Avian Pathology

Background:

• Pasteurella multocida is an important bacterial pathogen in various animal species, including birds.
• Capsular and somatic serotyping are crucial for understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of P. multocida infections.
• Previous studies have characterized P. multocida strains, but comprehensive data on capsular serogroup distribution in avian hosts globally is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the distribution of capsular serogroups among avian strains of Pasteurella multocida.
• To identify the prevalence of different capsular serotypes in various avian hosts and geographic regions.
• To report novel findings, such as the first isolation of a specific serogroup from avian hosts in a particular region.

Main Methods:

• Collection and characterization of 246 avian Pasteurella multocida isolates.
• Determination of capsular serogroups (A, B, D, F) and somatic serotypes.
• Identification of non-encapsulated strains.

Main Results:

• Capsular group A was the most prevalent (166 strains), followed by group F (14), group D (4), and group B (4).
• 58 strains were non-encapsulated and could not be serogrouped.
• This study marks the first report of capsular group B P. multocida isolated from avian hosts in the United States.
• The 188 serogroupable strains exhibited 12 different somatic serotypes and originated from 11 avian host types across 25 U.S. states, Bangladesh, Singapore, and Canada.

Conclusions:

• Capsular group A is the predominant serogroup of Pasteurella multocida found in avian hosts.
• The identification of capsular group B in U.S. avian hosts highlights the need for continued surveillance and epidemiological studies.
• The diverse range of somatic serotypes and host origins underscores the adaptability and widespread distribution of P. multocida in avian populations.