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Published on: December 4, 2015
Pathogenicity of Mycobacterium avium Serovar 1 isolated from swine in Japan for the first time
Y Morita1, S Maruyama, Y Katsube
1Chuo Meat Inspection Center, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
Abstract:
A total of 116 strains of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex were isolated from swine with tuberculous lesions at meat inspection, during 1982-1983. Of them, one strain isolated from the lesion in the mesenteric lymph nodes was identified as M. avium serovar 1 (swine strain). The pathogenicity of the swine strain in chickens was compared with that of a reference strain (M. avium serovar 1). Chickens were inoculated intravenously with each strain (2 x 10(6) colony forming units: CFU) and they were autopsied at 30 days after inoculation. Enlargement of the liver, spleen and kidney was observed in the inoculated chickens. In histopathological examination, many granulomatous lesions were observed in the lung, liver and spleen. Infiltration of lymphocytes was found in the kidney and pancreas. Both inoculated organisms were recovered from the liver (10(3)-10(6) CFU/g) and spleen (10(3)-10(5) CFU/g) of each inoculated chicken. The reference strain (< 3.0 x 10(2) CFU/g, ml) was also recovered from the lung, kidney, pancreas and the bile of the inoculated chickens. All the isolates were identified as serovar 1. It was shown that the swine strain had pathogenicity in chickens comparable to that of the reference strain.
Insights
A swine-derived Mycobacterium avium serovar 1 strain demonstrated pathogenicity in chickens comparable to a reference strain. This finding is significant for understanding avian mycobacterial infections and disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAIC) infections are a concern in swine.
- Tuberculous lesions in swine can be caused by MAIC, necessitating identification and characterization of isolates.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of swine-derived MAIC strains is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenicity of a swine-isolated Mycobacterium avium serovar 1 strain with a reference strain in chickens.
- To evaluate the pathological effects and bacterial dissemination of M. avium serovar 1 in a chicken model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex strains from tuberculous swine lesions.
- Intravenous inoculation of chickens with a swine strain and a reference strain of M. avium serovar 1 (2 x 10^6 CFU).
- Macroscopic and histopathological examination of tissues (liver, spleen, lung, kidney, pancreas) at 30 days post-inoculation, with bacterial CFU counts.
Main Results:
- Both the swine and reference strains of M. avium serovar 1 caused enlargement of the liver, spleen, and kidney in chickens.
- Histopathology revealed granulomatous lesions in the lung, liver, and spleen, and lymphocytic infiltration in the kidney and pancreas.
- Both strains were recovered from multiple organs, with comparable bacterial loads in the liver and spleen, indicating significant pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- The swine-derived Mycobacterium avium serovar 1 strain exhibits pathogenicity in chickens similar to that of a reference strain.
- These findings suggest potential for cross-species disease transmission and highlight the importance of M. avium serovar 1 in both swine and avian health.
- Further research into the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of M. avium serovar 1 is warranted.
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