Author
BARBA, MARTA - Auburn University | |
STEWART, ALLISON - Auburn University | |
PASSLER, THOMAS - Auburn University | |
HU, XING PING - Auburn University | |
CHAMORRO, MANUEL - Auburn University | |
CATTLEY, RUSSEL - Auburn University | |
HATHCOCK, TERRI - Auburn University | |
Hogsette, Jerome - Jerry | |
WOOLDRIDGE, ANNE - Auburn University |
Submitted to: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 8/4/2014 Publication Date: 8/4/2014 Citation: Barba, M., Stewart, A.J., Passler, T., Hu, X., Chamorro, M.F., Cattley, R., Hathcock, T., Hogsette, Jr, J.A., Wooldridge, A.A. 2014. Experimental transmission of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in horses by house flies. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 28:1106. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The route of infection of pigeon fever remains undetermined. The purpose of this study was to investigate house flies (Musca domestica L.) as vectors of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in horses. Eight ponies were used in a randomized, controlled, blinded experimental study. Ten wounds were created in the pectoral region where cages for flies were attached. Three ponies were directly inoculated with C. pseudotuberculosis. Four ponies were exposed for 24 hours to 20 C. pseudotuberculosis-inoculated flies. One negative control pony was exposed to non-inoculated flies. Ponies were examined daily for swelling, heat, pain and drainage from the inoculation site. Blood was collected weekly for complete blood cell count and fibrinogen analysis. Serum was collected twice weekly for synergistic hemolysis inhibition titers. Data were analyzed using linear regression or repeated measures ANOVA analysis. Significance was assumed at P < 0.05. Clinical signs of local infection and positive cultures were observed in 7/7 ponies exposed to C. pseudotuberculosis and were absent in negative control. In exposed ponies, peak serologic titers (1:512 to 1:2048) were obtained between days 17 and 21. There was no difference in the linear increase in titers between the exposed groups. The titer increase was greater in both exposed groups compared to the negative control group (P = 0.0002). Fibrinogen concentrations were significantly greater on day 7 and 21, and neutrophil counts were significantly greater on day 3 in both exposed groups compared to the negative control. House flies are confirmed as mechanical vectors of C. pseudotuberculosis and can transmit the bacteria to naïve ponies. |