Genetic diversity and virulence properties of caprine Trueperella pyogenes isolates

Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic pathogen that causes suppurative infections in various animal species, including goats. So far, only limited knowledge of phenotypic and genotypic properties of T. pyogenes isolates from goats has been gathered. In our study, we characterized the phenotypic and genotypic properties of caprine T. pyogenes isolates and established their relationship by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR).

From 2015 to 2023, 104 T. pyogenes isolates were obtained from 1146 clinical materials. In addition, two T. pyogenes isolates were obtained from 306 swabs collected from healthy goats. A total of 51 T. pyogenes isolates were subjected to detailed phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The virulence genotype plo/nanH/nanP/fimA/fimC/luxS was predominant. All of the tested isolates showed the ability to form a biofilm but with different intensities, whereby most of them were classified as strong biofilm formers (72.5%). The high level of genetic diversity among tested caprine T. pyogenes isolates (19 different RAPD profiles) was observed. The same RAPD profiles were found for isolates obtained from one individual, as well as from other animals in the same herd, but also in various herds.

This study provided important data on the occurrence of T. pyogenes infections in goats. The assessment of virulence properties and genetic relationships of caprine T. pyogenes isolates contributed to the knowledge of the epidemiology of infections caused by this pathogen in small ruminants. Nevertheless, further investigations are warranted to clarify the routes of transmission and dissemination of the pathogen.