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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Field studies: pseudomonas pneumonia of mink
Abstract:
Epizootics of pneumonia in mink caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated to characterize the serotype of organisms and to identify possible predisposing factors. Most epizootics were associated with P aeruginosa Fisher serotype 1, and a few were associated with 3 other serotypes. There were no predisposing factors identified that could be used to differentiate farms affected and those not affected with pseudomonas pneumonia. Cultural studies indicated that P aeruginosa was present in mink from affected and nonaffected herds. Organisms isolated included serotypes associated with naturally occurring disease. Serostudy results were similar among herds. A prospective field vaccination trial did not yield definitive results, since only slight losses occurred in both vaccinated and nonvaccinated mink. Significant levels of antibody were detected in mink 15 to 17 weeks after they were given a single dose of P aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide vaccine.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused pneumonia epizootics in mink, primarily linked to Fisher serotype 1. No predisposing factors were found, and vaccination trials showed limited efficacy, though antibodies were detected post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Epizootics of pneumonia in mink have been linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
- Understanding the serotypes involved and potential predisposing factors is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotypes causing mink pneumonia epizootics.
- To identify potential predisposing factors for these outbreaks.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Serotyping of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from affected mink herds.
- Epidemiological investigation to identify predisposing factors on affected and unaffected farms.
- A prospective field vaccination trial using a P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide vaccine.
Main Results:
- Most epizootics were associated with P. aeruginosa Fisher serotype 1; other serotypes were less common.
- No specific predisposing factors were identified to differentiate affected from unaffected farms.
- Cultural studies confirmed P. aeruginosa presence in both affected and unaffected herds.
- Vaccination trials showed minimal losses in both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, yielding inconclusive efficacy data.
- Significant antibody levels were detected in mink 15-17 weeks post-single-dose vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly Fisher serotype 1, is a significant cause of pneumonia in mink.
- No clear predisposing factors were identified in this study.
- Further research is needed to determine effective vaccination strategies and control measures for Pseudomonas pneumonia in mink.

