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. 2022 Nov 9;11(11):1314.
doi: 10.3390/pathogens11111314.

A Seroepidemiological Survey of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infection in South Tyrol, Italy

Astrid Bettini  1 , Marzia Mancin  1 , Matteo Mazzucato  1 , Angelica Schanung  2 , Stefano Colorio  1 , Alexander Tavella  1
Affiliations

A Seroepidemiological Survey of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infection in South Tyrol, Italy

Astrid Bettini et al. Pathogens. .

Abstract

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis, a bacterial infection that can affect livestock. This infection can cause low growth rates and milk yields and reproductive failure, along with the infection of humans, especially those in close contact with the animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the local CLA prevalence, highlighting the parameters for the potential predisposition to infection in goats, and to implement a monitoring program based on the newly acquired scientific evidence. Of a total of 2365 goat farms in South Tyrol, 384 farms were selected for the present study. A statistically significant number of animals were subjected to serologic analysis for the detection of C. pseutotubercolosis antibodies. A total of 2948 goats belonging to the selected farms were tested for CLA, 713 of which showed a positive result. The data analysis led to an estimated CLA seroprevalence of 21.85%. The results achieved can enable the evaluation and possible implementation of a voluntary program that permits us to test a larger number of animals using serological techniques. This program would be of great importance, especially for those farms dedicated to the production of milk and dairy products, as some manufacturing practices may increase the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens such as C. pseudotuberculosis to humans.

Keywords: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; GEE models; caprine breeding; caseous lymphadenitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of tested farms in South Tyrol.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of CLA-positive (red) and -negative (blue) farms in South Tyrol.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (low-high) based on the multivariable GEE model for the relationships between the covariates (breed, age and their interaction) and presence of CLA. Blue points indicate the odds ratio between breeds at the average age of 4.2 years. Red points indicate the odds ratio between breeds with the increase of 1 year in age (5.2). Black points indicate the odds ratio of a unit increase in age per breed. The red line shows an odds ratio = 1, indicating no difference in the risk of having CLA.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Estimated prevalence of CLA (P) and 95% confidence intervals (low-high) by breed and age based on the multivariable GEE model. Blue points indicate the prevalence at the average age of 4.2 years. Red points indicate the prevalence with the increase of 1 year in age (5.2). The red line shows the overall prevalence of CLA estimated using the empty model.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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