Trueperella Pyogenes-Strain Diversity and Occurrence in Dairy Herds

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Bovine Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Trueperella pyogenes is a significant mastitis pathogen in dairy cattle.
• Its transmission dynamics within herds remain poorly understood.
• Understanding transmission is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diversity and occurrence of Trueperella pyogenes in dairy herds.
• To gain initial insights into infection transmission patterns.
• To establish a foundation for future targeted research.

Main Methods:

• Collected 151 Trueperella pyogenes isolates from clinical mastitis milk samples in German herds and subclinical mastitis samples from a Swedish farm.
• Identified isolates using MALDI TOF analysis.
• Typed isolates using RAPD PCR.

Main Results:

• Trueperella pyogenes mastitis occurred year-round, not just in summer.
• Clinical mastitis cases were frequently caused by multiple strains (28 strains in 31 animals).
• Multiple cows infected with the same strain were rare; however, multiple quarters within one cow were often infected by the same strain.
• Subclinical infections on one farm were dominated by a single strain.
• Infections persisted within herds for at least 7 months.

Conclusions:

• Trueperella pyogenes exhibits diverse transmission patterns in dairy herds.
• Clinical and subclinical infections may involve different strain dynamics.
• The pathogen's persistence highlights the need for ongoing management strategies.