Related Experiment Videos
Staphylococcosis of turkeys. 3. Bacterial interference as a possible means of control
Abstract:
Two Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from turkeys were used as interfering agents to help control staphylococcosis. Both isolates adhered to tissues of the turkeys' respiratory tract, interfered with attachment of virulent S. aureus, produced bacteriocins bacteriocidal to S. aureus, and were avirulent for turkeys. About 200,000 turkeys in commercial flocks were exposed to aerosols of these interfering isolates between 1 and 6 weeks of age, and many became colonized with these bacteria. The aerosol-treated turkeys had lower levels of colonization with S. aureus and had a 3% higher gross survival rate than untreated control turkeys.
Insights
Two Staphylococcus epidermidis strains controlled staphylococcosis in turkeys by preventing Staphylococcus aureus colonization. This method improved turkey survival rates, offering a promising biological control strategy for poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Science
- Bacterial Interference
Background:
- Staphylococcosis, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is a significant disease in commercial turkeys.
- Current control methods for staphylococcosis are limited, necessitating alternative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of specific Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates as interfering agents against Staphylococcus aureus in turkeys.
- To assess the impact of these interfering agents on turkey health and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- Two avirulent Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates were selected based on their ability to adhere to the turkey respiratory tract and inhibit Staphylococcus aureus attachment.
- These isolates produced bacteriocins lethal to Staphylococcus aureus.
- Approximately 200,000 turkeys were exposed to aerosols of the interfering isolates between 1 and 6 weeks of age.
Main Results:
- Many aerosol-treated turkeys became colonized with the interfering Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates.
- Aerosol-treated turkeys exhibited reduced levels of Staphylococcus aureus colonization compared to controls.
- A 3% higher gross survival rate was observed in turkeys treated with the interfering agents.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates can effectively act as interfering agents to control staphylococcosis in turkeys.
- Aerosol-based administration of interfering bacteria is a viable method for colonizing turkeys and reducing pathogen load.
- This approach presents a promising biological control strategy for improving poultry health and reducing economic losses in the turkey industry.