Strains of Actinobacillus spp. from diseases of animals and ostriches in Zimbabwe.

The research paper discusses the study of Actinobacillus strains found in various diseases among animals in Zimbabwe, including horses, cattle, sheep, cats, pigs, and ostriches. Through in-depth examination and classification, the paper notes a correlation between specific Actinobacillus taxa and particular pathological conditions in different hosts.

Study and Isolation of Actinobacillus Strains

• The research involved the isolation of 48 strains of Actinobacillus from clinical cases in various animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, cats, pigs, and ostriches.
• Among these 48 isolates, 22 were identified as A. lignieresii, 13 as A. equuli, 6 as A. suis, four belonged to Taxon 11 and one belonged to Taxon 9.
• The identification and classification of these strains were confirmed at the Department of Veterinary Microbiology in Frederiksburg C, Denmark.

Role of Actinobacillus Strains in Diseases

• The research determined the associated pathological conditions with these Actinobacillus strains. For instance, A. lignieresii was found to be associated with a post-operative wound in a cat, and also isolated from an ostrich. This marks the first time that A. lignieresii was reported to be isolated from these species.
• In relation to horses, A. equuli was found to be the primary cause of equine abortion. It is also associated with septicemia, a condition characterized by inflammation due to severe infection, highlighting a correlation between A. equuli and these specific conditions.
• One isolate that belonged to Taxon 9 was associated with “sleepy foal” disease, a condition that makes foals lethargic and unresponsive.
• While the researchers did not encounter any cases of “wooden tongue,” they did isolate A. lignieresii from cases of superficial lymphadenitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes, in cattle and sheep.

Significance of the Study

• This study represents the first detailed report of Actinobacillus strains in Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for further research and better understanding of this genus. It emphasizes the potential of these bacteria in causing a wide range of diseases in different hosts.
• The research also opens up further study on the role of Actinobacillus strains in specific diseases in animals. The identification of A. equuli as a primary factor in equine abortion and septicemia or Taxon 9 being associated with “sleepy foal” disease marks significant developments in understanding the pathology of these conditions.
• The findings also call for improved methods of diagnosis and more detailed study to accurately identify and classify different members of the Actinobacillus genus.