Related Experiment Videos
Recovery and identification of Pasteurella multocida from mammals and fleas collected during plague investigations
Abstract:
During the 12-yr period, 1973-1984, 243 isolates of Pasteurella multocida were recovered or identified from specimens submitted for plague tests. Of the isolates, 79% were from rodents, 10% from lagomorphs, and 7% from carnivores; eight isolates were recovered from pools of rodent or carnivore fleas, and two were recovered from cat-bite wounds of human patients. No correlations of host or geographic sources, season, or biotypic or serotypic characteristics were found. Of the rodent strains serotyped, most were found to be serotypes 1A or 3A, which suggests a possible epizootiologic role for rodents in outbreaks of avian cholera that commonly involve these serotypes.
Insights
This study analyzed Pasteurella multocida isolates from 1973-1984, finding most originated from rodents. Certain rodent strains suggest a role in avian cholera outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a significant bacterial pathogen with diverse hosts and disease manifestations.
- Understanding the epidemiology of P. multocida is crucial for disease control in both animal and human populations.
- Plague surveillance programs can inadvertently collect valuable data on other bacterial pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Pasteurella multocida isolates recovered during a 12-year plague surveillance period.
- To identify the primary hosts and potential reservoirs of P. multocida in the studied region.
- To investigate potential correlations between isolate characteristics and host/geographic sources.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 243 Pasteurella multocida isolates collected between 1973 and 1984.
- Isolates were identified from various animal specimens submitted for plague testing.
- Host species, geographic origin, season, and biotypic/serotypic characteristics were examined.
Main Results:
- The majority of isolates (79%) were recovered from rodents, followed by lagomorphs (10%) and carnivores (7%).
- Eight isolates originated from flea pools, and two from human cat-bite wounds.
- No significant correlations were found between host, geographic source, season, or biotypic/serotypic features.
- Rodent strains predominantly belonged to serotypes 1A or 3A.
Conclusions:
- Rodents represent a major reservoir for Pasteurella multocida in the context of plague surveillance.
- The prevalence of serotypes 1A and 3A in rodents suggests their potential role in the epizootiology of avian cholera.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the transmission dynamics and host-pathogen interactions of P. multocida.