Distribution of Antibody againstErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaein Cattle

Abstract

Serum samples collected from 854 cattle in nine prefectures of Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, between 1988 and 1992 were examined for presence of antibodies against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae by growth agglutination test. Most of the sera showed positive reactions, and the antibody titers ranged from below 4 to above 128. Seventy-six percent of the sera showed titers of 32 or above, and 34% showed titers of 128 or above. The titers had a tendency to be higher in the south and lower in the north and were clearly low in sera from areas with no swine industry. These results indicated that Japanese cattle had been infected with E. rhusiopathiae and that clinical cases of the disease were possible.

Use of the rSpaA415 antigen for detection of IgG anti-Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in farmed cattle indicates a low prevalence in dairy and feedlot cattle in the United States of America and Great Britain

“…This data could indicate that Erysipelothrix is mainly transmitted by pigs although cattle may also act as a vehicle for its distribution [5,16]. In support of this, Erysipelothrix was isolated from cattle slurry [3] which could enhance the bacterium's ability to spread as Erysipelothrix can survive in soil contaminated with faecal material [4]. Current methods of antibody detection in cattle have been carried out using solely GAT.…”

“…An epidemiological follow-up study using the growth agglutination test (GAT) to detect antibodies anti-Erysipelothrix in Japanese cattle found that 76% of 854 healthy cattle had detectable antibodies [3]. The same study also found a higher rate of seropositive cattle in areas with concurrent swine industry [3]. This data could indicate that Erysipelothrix is mainly transmitted by pigs although cattle may also act as a vehicle for its distribution [5,16].…”

“…During studies in Japanese abattoirs, Erysipelothrix was isolated from 6.4% of 1236 healthy, slaughtered cattle [16] which demonstrates that cattle may be subclinically infected with the bacterium. An epidemiological follow-up study using the growth agglutination test (GAT) to detect antibodies anti-Erysipelothrix in Japanese cattle found that 76% of 854 healthy cattle had detectable antibodies [3]. The same study also found a higher rate of seropositive cattle in areas with concurrent swine industry [3].…”

“…Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is considered to be the pathogenic species of the genus and known as the etiologic agent of swine erysipelas which can be associated with sporadic cases or larger outbreaks of major economic importance [2]. Besides pigs, E. rhusiopathiae can cause a wide range of diseases in other species such as sheep, fish, poultry, cattle and humans [3][4][5][6]. Infections in humans are primarily a result of contact with infected animals and are presented either as a localised cutaneous lesion called erysipeloid, as a generalised cutaneous lesion, or as a septicaemic form which is often associated with endocarditis [7].…”

“…Although Erysipelothrix and antibodies against it have been detected in healthy cattle in Japan [3][4][5] A highly sensitive (96.5%) and specific (100%) ELISA was recently developed for the detection of Erysipelothrix in swine using a recombinant SpaA (rSpaA415) [6]. This was then enhanced by adapting it into an FMIA [21].…”