Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its role in ovine caseous lymphadenitis.
Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) of sheep, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, has been a significant disease in the majority of sheep-rearing regions for over a century. Because of the chronic and often sub-clinical nature of the infection, it has proved difficult to control and prevalence is high in many parts of the world, which in turn leads to significant economic losses for farmers. This review describes the important characteristics of C. pseudotuberculosis and examines the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the infection in sheep. The review also discusses the immune response to infection and describes the methods that have been developed to control CLA, with particular emphasis on the use of vaccination and serological testing.
Baird
G J
GJ
Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Services, 5 Bertha Park View, Perth PH1 3FZ. Electronic address: graham.baird@sac.co.uk.
Fontaine
M C
MC
Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK.
D000818:Animals; D003354:Corynebacterium Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*; D016925:Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis; D006801:Humans; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000662:veterinary*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D012698:Serologic Tests; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014611:Vaccination; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology