Clinical, humoral, and pathologic findings in adult alpacas with experimentally induced Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection

Abstract

Alpacas inoculated with C pseudotuberculosis developed abscesses at the inoculation site and internally in the renal lymph nodes, without lung lesions. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolates from llama and alpaca origin were found to be pathogenically indistinct.

The genome anatomy of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis VD57 a highly virulent strain causing Caseous lymphadenitis

“…Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats, the organism has also been associated with mastitis [ 1 – 3 ] and can cause ulcerative lymphangitis in horses and cattle [ 4 ]. CL is a chronic disease that is characterized by the formation of granulomas in lymph nodes and internal organs, as a response of the host’s immune system against this bacterium that resists to the bactericidal action of phagocytic cells [ 3 ].…”

Skin diseases in the alpaca (Vicugna pacos): a literature review and retrospective analysis of 68 cases (Cornell University 1997–2006)

“…2 Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infections appear to be common in alpacas. 2,[11][12][13] Infection may occur by wound contamination or by consuming infected milk. 13 Affected animals range from 22 days to 14 months of age.…”

“…The head, submandibular and ventral cervical regions are most commonly affected. Early lesions are characterized by pyogranulomatous inflammation with central caseous necrosis (nodule), while older lesions are characterized by liquefactive necrosis and peripheral fibrosis (abscess) 13 . Diagnosis is confirmed by culture.…”

Diseases of the Cardiovascular and Hemolymphatic Systems

“…110 After initial inoculation, camelids may be febrile, lethargic, and anorexic for a week or more. 111 They have an acute local reaction, which may be obscured by fleece, and neutrophilic leukocytosis. The malaise, fever, and leukocytosis are often gone by the time of clinical identification, and the acute local reaction is replaced by subcutaneous swelling, possibly draining pus out of a fistula.…”

“…Hemolysis inhibition testing and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against cell wall components have been reported in alpacas. 109,111 In small ruminants, culling is usually the treatment of choice, based on the refractory nature of this disease to treatment, the high rate of internal abscesses, and the likelihood that infected animals are worsening environmental contamination. In camelids, individual animal treatments are more common.…”