Campylobacter fetus | |
---|---|
Computer-generated illustration of C. fetus showing the characteristic "S-shaped" morphology. | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Campylobacterota |
Class: | "Campylobacteria" |
Order: | Campylobacterales |
Family: | Campylobacteraceae |
Genus: | Campylobacter |
Species: | C. fetus |
Binomial name | |
Campylobacter fetus (Smith & Taylor 1919) Sebald & Véron 1963 | |
Campylobacter fetus is a rod-shaped, gram-negative species of bacteria within the genus Campylobacter of phylum Pseudomonadota. [1] Identification of C. fetus species in infected animals or people is routinely performed by culture on blood or cefoperazone deoxycholate agar. [2] [3] Subspecies of C. fetus commonly causes reproductive disease in ruminants and gastrointestinal disease in humans. [4] Transmission of C. fetus subspecies venerealis occurs mainly through venereal contact while transmission of C. fetus subspecies fetus occurs mainly through ingestion of bacteria in a contaminated environment. [5] Infertility in cattle and abortion in sheep are common outcomes of infection associated with C. fetus subspecies venerealis and C. fetus subspecies fetus, respectively. [4] Disease in humans occurs through zoonotic transmission of C. fetus mainly via ingestion of contaminated food or water sources. [6] C. fetus can be diagnosed with polymerase chain reaction assays, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays and vaginal mucus agglutination testing. As vaccines are typically not efficient in preventing future spread, infected bulls are often culled. [7] [8] Human infections may be treated with erythromycin as antimicrobial resistance has been emerging for the fluoroquinolones. [9] [10]
On cytology, C. fetus is a gram-negative rod, though may present coccoid under suboptimal conditions. [11] [12] A distinguishing feature of C. fetus is the "S-shape" of the rod, resembling thin, helical spirochaetes. C. fetus can be a highly motile organism by means of a single, unsheathed flagellum. [1] Genus identification based on motility may be possible due to their characteristic corkscrew-like movement. [13] C. fetus are non-spore forming and microaerophilic organisms that are both catalase and oxidase-positive, but non-fermentative. [13]
Identification of C. fetus requires aseptic sample collection, followed by culture and potentially further biochemical and molecular methods. [14] To increase the likelihood of successful growth, cultures on blood agar should be performed as soon as possible following collection. [2] If samples are likely to be contaminated or faster growth is required, selective media or the use of antibiotics can be employed to inhibit growth of contaminants. [14] Modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate (CCD) agar is a growth medium designed to isolate Campylobacters from feces. [3] On CCD agar, C. fetus will grow as grey colonies that may appear moist. Growth of C. fetus can be seen within 40–48 hours of incubation between 25-37 °C under microaerophilic conditions. [15] Some, but not all species of C. fetus will grow at 42 °C. [15] [12] Because C. fetus is a fastidious organism to grow, positive cultures can be considered diagnostic, however negative cultures cannot rule out the possibility of infection. [16]
Additional methods of identification may be used to diagnosis C. fetus to the subspecies level. [14] Biochemical methods can identify subspecies of C. fetus, though may be considered unreliable. [2] Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus (Cff) can grow in 1% glycine and produce H2S, while C. fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv) cannot. [2] Growth of Cff will not occur in 3.5% NaCl. [15] To increase reliability of identification, molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction or DNA sequencing may be utilized. [14] Other methods of identification include histology, immunohistochemistry, direct immunofluorescence, agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [2]
Campylobacter spp. in general possess membrane lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with low biological activity compared to other bacteria (i.e. Enterobacteriaceae), subsequently avoiding detection by the host immune system and which may explain why persistent infections can occur. [17] In terms of subspecies, C. fetus subspecies venerealis and C. fetus subspecies fetus have a unique structural component that prevents host-mediated phagocytosis; this "S-layer" is a microcapsule of high molecular weight proteins arranged in a lattice formation. [15] [18] The S-layer prevents complement-mediated bacterial killing by impairing the binding of C3b to the surface of the bacteria. [18] The S-layer is critical in the pathogenicity of C. fetus, as it allows for a significant bacteremic phase for hematogenous dissemination. [18] Additionally, Cfv has long LPS side chains (O-antigens) that may resist complement-mediated bacterial killing. [17] Aside from complement-mediated mechanisms, C. fetus has also evolved variation in its S-layer proteins (SLPs) of the S-layer to subvert the host antibody response. [18]
There are two subspecies of C. fetus that cause reproductive disease in ruminants; C. fetus subspecies fetus and C. fetus subspecies venerealis. [19] These subspecies are associated with abortion in sheep and cattle and infertility in cattle, respectively. [4] C. fetus subspecies fetus is a zoonotic pathogen that has been reported to cause disease in immunocompromised humans. [18] [14] Similar to C. fetus subspecies jejuni, C. fetus subspecies fetus can be acquired via fecal-oral route and resides mostly in the gastrointestinal tract. Other means of transmission include the ingestion of infected fluid or placentas. Infections with Cff appear to be more detrimental in ewes than in cows, spreading readily through a flock resulting in abortion storms. [20]
Bovine infectious infertility is a reproductive disease caused by infection of Cfv that leads to early embryonic mortality in cattle. [4] Other names for this disease in cattle include campylobacteriosis, bovine venereal campylobacteriosis (BVC), bovine genital campylobacteriosis. [19] [15] The disease is also referred to more colloquially as "vibriosis", based on the former classification of the bacteria under the Vibrio genus. [21] Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis is primarily a problem in beef cattle breeding stock [5] . C. fetus subspecies venerealis is an obligate colonizer of the bull penile and preputial mucosa. [21] [22] [19] [4] [23] [24] Infection of bulls with Cfv is a chronic, asymptomatic infection that leads to the development carrier bulls in the breeding herd. [21] [22] [19] [4] [23] [24] Infection of the prepuce can persist for years in bulls and is often undetected due to the lack of any visible lesions on the penis or prepuce. [25] Younger bulls are more likely to clear the Cfv infection than older bulls, therefore transmission risk increases with bull age. [26] [27] Transmission of Cfv to cows occurs through mating with an infected bull. [19] [4] [22] [14] [5] Alongside Tritrichomonas foetus , bovine venereal campylobacteriosis considered an important sexually transmitted disease (STD) of cattle. However, transmission can occur by artificial insemination with semen from an infected bull. [5] [23] [17] [27] Transmissibility from carriers to naïve cows is high, [22] such that outbreaks of Cfv in the herd can often be traced to the introduction of a new bull. Infection sites in the cow include the vagina, cervix, endometrium, and oviducts. [4] [5] If the cow becomes pregnant, the placenta can also be a site of infection. [28] Rather than the bacterial colonization itself, the ensuing inflammatory response in the uterus and oviducts is often the cause of early embryonic mortality. [27] Loss of embryos is generally within the first 15 to 21 days of conception, indicating infection occurred near mating. [4] Late term abortions have been reported for Cfv infections in cows, but are much less likely than early embryonic loss. [28] [19] Cows with BVC display irregular estrus cycles, signs of heat when presumed to be pregnant, and increased returns to service, but often lack any outward signs of infection. [4] [22] [23] On a herd level, Cfv leads to widespread infertility, wide variability in calf age, longer calving seasons, and decreased calf crops. [23] [5] [24] Infected cows may return to estrus up to five times before pregnancy can be maintained. [17] Infections and pregnancy loss in subsequent calving seasons is substantially less severe than the first season of infection, as cows can mount a sufficient immune response. [23] However, the bacteria can persist in the vaginal mucosa for years in some cows, leading to infection of bulls upon mating. [25] It is also reported that Cfv can become endemic in cow herds, leading to a low incidence of embryonic loss every 4 to 5 years; [19] in these cases, heifers appear to be most vulnerable to Cfv infection as they lack sufficient immunity. [19] Cow- to-cow transmission of Cfv has not been reported. [19] A major risk factor for introduction of Cfv-infection in a breeding herd is the introduction of new animals with unknown Cfv-status, whether these be cows or bulls. [24] Economic losses from Cfv infections can be substantial - such losses include culling non-pregnant cows, culling infected bulls, decreased calves born, decreased weaning weights, and prolonged calving seasons. [27]
Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus is a commensal organism of the bovine gastrointestinal tract. [19] Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus is a cause of sporadic abortions in cattle and sheep, but is more of a serious problem in sheep production. [15] [24] [29] Ingestion of fecal-contaminated food or water, rather than venereal transmission as with Cfv, is the route of exposure for cattle. [26] [30] Infection arises from hematogenous spread of the bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract through the uterus to infect the placenta of pregnant cows. [26] Often, this will lead to failure of pregnancy and, more commonly, late-term abortions (i.e., between months 4 to 7 of gestation). [26] [31] Infection of the fetus leads to death, however the fetus is retained for a period of time prior to expulsion. [26] Retention of the deceased fetus causes necrosis of the placenta and placental lesions are not easily distinguished from Brucella abortus, characterized by cotyledon colour change from pink/red to yellow/brown. [26] Other pathologic characteristics of placental necrosis include placental edema and leathery texture. [26]
Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus
Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus is a normal member of the sheep gastrointestinal microbiome. [4] Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route or by hematogenous spread from the intestine to the reproductive tract and placenta. [28] [24] Infection from ingestion of Cff-contaminated placenta is also a possible route of infection. [28] [17] Ewes that appear to be particularly sensitive to Cff infection are those with underlying immunosuppression or are naïve to the flock. [19] Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus localizes in the placenta of the pregnant ewe and may lead to fetal hepatitis. [17] Specifically, in sheep and goats, fetuses aborted due to campylobacteriosis, are often accompanied with an edematous placenta, friable cotyledons and upon necropsy exhibit necrotic foci on their livers. [31] Late-term abortion is the main outcome of a Cff infection. [19] Abortion outbreaks can be seen with Cff in a susceptible ewe herd, where few sporadic abortions are followed by large numbers of abortions in the herd. In naïve herds, the incidence of abortions can reach 70%. [24] Abortions occur within 3 to 4 weeks of infection. [17] Infected ewes rarely show systemic disease, but may include diarrhea, fever, and vaginal discharge. [24] If infection occurs near-term, weak lambs are born and often die within several days. [4] In rare cases, a fetus may die in utero and cause an ascending infection from the placenta, septicemia and possibly death in the ewe. [4] Ewes can often mount sufficient immune responses following infection, [4] therefore subsequent lambing seasons are not as severely affected. Campylobacter jejuni, another gastrointestinal tract commensal of ruminants, is another important cause of abortion in ewes. [15]
Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus infections are associated with gastroenteritis and, rarely, sepsis in people. [17] Although most infections are self-resolving of particular concern are those individuals with underlying conditions (e.g., HIV), seniors, as well as pregnant women. [32] Clinically relevant transmission between humans generally involve neonates. [14] Zoonotic transmission of Cff occurs mainly by ingestion of food and water contaminated by feces from infected ruminants, or ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products from infected cows. [6] [18] [14] Ingestion of raw ovine or bovine liver has also been linked to sources of infection. [14] Likewise, cross-contamination due to improper food safety has resulted in similar infections. [14] Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis associated with Cff infections include abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea and fever. [6] When sepsis does occur, Cff can cause a myriad of infections in accidental hosts such as perinatal, neurological and endocardial infections. [14] Occasionally, abortion in humans can occur, similar to that in sheep, as a result of placental infection through septic spread of Cff from the gastrointestinal tract. [4] [18] The fetus can either undergo spontaneous abortion or be born with an ongoing infection which can eventuate in the infiltration of nervous tissues. [14] Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis rarely causes sepsis in immunocompromised individuals. [6]
Epidemiological clues in the breeding herd or flock can indicate Campylobacter fetus infections. Often, C. fetus may not be suspected until herd level changes are noticed, generally at the end of the breeding season (Cfv) or end of herd gestation (Cff) (e.g., high incidence of open cows, multiple returns to service, high incidence of abortions in ewes). [22] If suspected, C. fetus can be diagnosed through basic culturing and laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, [33] enzyme linked immune sorbent assays (ELISA), and vaginal mucus agglutination test (VMAT). [34] [35] Diagnosis depends on isolation of the causative agent under microaerophilic conditions. [33] C. fetus is extremely delicate to environmental conditions including sunlight, dehydration, increased temperature, and high O2. In adverse conditions, the spiral rods degenerate to a coccoid morphology, making diagnosis based on morphology difficult. In addition, C. fetus can be quickly outgrown by competing microbes, indicating that timely culture and sample submission are important.
For reproductive diseases, samples may include vaginal mucus swabs, preputial washes or scrapings with buffered sterile saline, stomach contents or tissue of abortuses. [35] [5] Samples should be immediately transported to the lab and enrichment needs to be provided to allow accurate diagnosis. [33] Samples should be kept at 25-37 °C and supplied on mediums such as Clarks Transport Medium (contains gas and fresh bovine serum) or Amies Medium (contains charcoal). [36] [37] Antibiotics can be used to inhibit competing microbes for faster growth of C. fetus. [14]
Prior to diagnosis, labs will culture the organism from samples. Diagnosis is most commonly done using blood agar, where growth is presented after incubation over 4–5 days at 25-37 °C. Colonies will appear as gamma-hemolytic, round, and light pink. [38] A microaerophilic environment with reduced oxygen (5-10%) and carbon dioxide (3-5%) is needed through the use of specialized gas packs. [15] Once cultured, molecular tests can be performed to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Measuring IgA antibodies in vaginal mucus is used as a diagnostic test. Specificity of ELISA may reach 98.5%, however antibody fluctuations in cattle can result in false positives. [39] In an ELISA test using murine monoclonal antibodies, 66 preputial samples were collected. 49 of these were positive for ELISA and culture and 16 were positive by ELISA only making it useful as a diagnostic test for C. fetus. [40]
Agglutination can detect the binding of antibodies and antigens, resulting in clumped bacterial cells. Since antibodies to the target organism may cross-react with other organisms, autoagglutination may occur. [41] Agglutination is primarily used when the sample is obtained from a vaginal mucous wash, and the test may reach a sensitivity of 50%. [42]
Real time PCR techniques using ISCfe1 insertion site is the most sensitive technique for diagnosis of Cfv-associated abortion. [43] ISCfe1 is a newly discovered insertion site used in PCR to differentiate between Cfv and Cff. It only occurs in Cfv strains, so it is essential for the implementation of efficient Cfv control and eradication. Samples from stomach contents and vaginal discharges allow accurate diagnosis of C. fetus and its subspecies for epidemiological and pathogenic purposes. [44]
ELISA and VMAT are good diagnostic tests, although they are usually used for screening purposes and a proper diagnosis requires further tests via PCR. The PCR assay differentiates between subspecies of C. fetus, which important to determine pathogenesis and develop an effective treatment plan. However, diagnosis of C. fetus may be problematic due to poor growth in atmospheric conditions and the ability to be outcompeted by contaminating microbes. To overcome this, multiple samples are to be collected from each animal and multiple tests may be used simultaneously to increase sensitivity and the probability of a correct diagnosis. [42]
Venereal campylobacteriosis is more commonly found in herds where natural mating is allowed. [30] Infected bulls are typically removed from the herd or culled as treatment can be difficult and may result in persistent carriers. [45] Antibiotic treatment of infected bulls and cows with Cfv is considered impractical. [5] Artificial insemination may reduce the prevalence of infection if a Cfv-free source bull is used. As cows can recover from these infections, they are not culled but kept from mating naturally for at least two calving seasons. [42] Vaccines can be used to reduce the occurrence of campylobacteriosis but will not eradicate infections. [5] [7] For example, vaccination of bulls, cows, and heifers against Cfv has some efficacy but does not consistently prevent transmission [5] . C. fetus may evade complete detection and eradication by the immune system as chronic and relapse cases have been noted. The majority of C. fetus infections have been specifically linked to Cff. [14] The ovine Cff vaccine has likewise been found ineffective in preventing future infections in ewes given that it does not provide protection against all strains of Cff. [8]
In zoonotic cases of Campylobacter, infections will often resolve without treatment. Should there be underlying conditions or risk factors, patients may be treated with erythromycin. [9] Fluoroquinolones are often avoided as antimicrobial resistance has been emerging. [10] Often in these cases of interspecies infections, proper hygienic protocols of food safety and hand hygiene can prevent infection. [14]
Q fever or query fever is a disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium that affects humans and other animals. This organism is uncommon, but may be found in cattle, sheep, goats, and other domestic mammals, including cats and dogs. The infection results from inhalation of a spore-like small-cell variant, and from contact with the milk, urine, feces, vaginal mucus, or semen of infected animals. Rarely, the disease is tick-borne. The incubation period can range from 9 to 40 days. Humans are vulnerable to Q fever, and infection can result from even a few organisms. The bacterium is an obligate intracellular pathogenic parasite.
Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that can cause a diarrhea disease in people. Its name means "curved bacteria", as the germ typically appears in a comma or "s" shape. According to its scientific classification, it is a genus of gram-negative bacteria that is motile.
Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by ingestion of unpasteurized milk from infected animals, or close contact with their secretions. It is also known as undulant fever, Malta fever, and Mediterranean fever.
Campylobacter jejuni is a species of pathogenic bacteria, one of the most common causes of food poisoning in Europe and in the US. The vast majority of cases occur as isolated events, not as part of recognized outbreaks. Active surveillance through the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) indicates that about 20 cases are diagnosed each year for each 100,000 people in the US, while many more cases are undiagnosed or unreported; the CDC estimates a total of 1.5 million infections every year. The European Food Safety Authority reported 246,571 cases in 2018, and estimated approximately nine million cases of human campylobacteriosis per year in the European Union.
Campylobacteriosis is among the most common infections caused by a bacteria in humans, often as a foodborne illness. It is caused by the Campylobacter bacterium, most commonly C. jejuni. It produces an inflammatory, sometimes bloody, diarrhea or dysentery syndrome, and usually cramps, fever and pain.
Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that was identified as a species in 1988. Prior to this, it was misclassified as Toxoplasma gondii due to structural similarities. The genome sequence of Neospora caninum has been determined by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the University of Liverpool. Neospora caninum is an important cause of spontaneous abortion in infected livestock.
Brucella melitensis is a Gram-negative coccobacillus bacterium from the Brucellaceae family. The bacterium causes ovine brucellosis, along with Brucella ovis. It affects primarily sheep and goats, but cases have also been observed in cattle, yaks, water buffalo, Bactrian and dromedary camels, alpacas, dogs, horses and pigs. Humans can become infected if they have contact with an infected animal or its byproducts. Animals acquire B. melitensis by venereal transmission and contact with the placenta, fetus, fetal fluids, and vaginal discharges from infected animals. The organism is found in blood, urine, milk, and semen. It is zoonotic, unlike B. ovis, causing Malta fever or localized brucellosis in humans.
SMEDI is a reproductive disease of swine caused by Porcine parvovirus (PPV) and Porcine enterovirus. The term SMEDI usually indicates Porcine enterovirus, but it also can indicate Porcine parvovirus, which is a more important cause of the syndrome. SMEDI also causes abortion, neonatal death, and decreased male fertility.
Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is a virus of the family Herpesviridae and the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, known to cause several diseases worldwide in cattle, including rhinotracheitis, vaginitis, balanoposthitis, abortion, conjunctivitis, and enteritis. BoHV-1 is also a contributing factor in shipping fever, also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD). It is spread horizontally through sexual contact, artificial insemination, and aerosol transmission and it may also be transmitted vertically across the placenta. BoHV-1 can cause both clinical and subclinical infections, depending on the virulence of the strain. Although these symptoms are mainly non-life-threatening it is an economically important disease as infection may cause a drop in production and affect trade restrictions. Like other herpesviruses, BoHV-1 causes a lifelong latent infection and sporadic shedding of the virus. The sciatic nerve and trigeminal nerve are the sites of latency. A reactivated latent carrier is normally the source of infection in a herd. The clinical signs displayed are dependent on the virulence of the strain. There is a vaccine available which reduces the severity and incidence of disease. Some countries in Europe have successfully eradicated the disease by applying a strict culling policy.
Bovine malignant catarrhal fever (BMCF) is a fatal lymphoproliferative disease caused by a group of ruminant gamma herpes viruses including Alcelaphine gammaherpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) and Ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) These viruses cause unapparent infection in their reservoir hosts, but are usually fatal in cattle and other ungulates such as deer, antelope, and buffalo. In Southern Africa the disease is known as snotsiekte, from the Afrikaans.
Neospora is a single celled parasite of livestock and companion animals. It was not discovered until 1984 in Norway, where it was found in dogs. Neosporosis, the disease that affects cattle and companion animals, has a worldwide distribution. Neosporosis causes abortions in cattle and paralysis in companion animals. It is highly transmissible and some herds can have up to a 90% prevalence. Up to 33% of pregnancies can result in aborted fetuses on one dairy farm. In many countries this organism is the main cause of abortion in cattle. Neosporosis is now considered as a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Many reliable diagnostic tests are commercially available. Neospora caninum does not appear to be infectious to humans. In dogs, Neospora caninum can cause neurological signs, especially in congenitally infected puppies, where it can form cysts in the central nervous system.
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bovine viral diarrhoea or mucosal disease, previously referred to as bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), is an economically significant disease of cattle that is found in the majority of countries throughout the world. Worldwide reviews of the economically assessed production losses and intervention programs incurred by BVD infection have been published. The causative agent, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is a member of the genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae.
Tritrichomonas foetus is a species of single-celled flagellated parasites that is known to be a pathogen of the bovine reproductive tract as well as the intestinal tract of cats. In cattle, the organism is transmitted to the female vagina and uterus from the foreskin of the bull where the parasite is known to reside. It causes infertility, and, at times, has caused spontaneous abortions in the first trimester. In the last ten years, there have been reports of Tritrichomonas foetus in the feces of young cats that have diarrhea and live in households with multiple cats. Tritrichomonas foetus looks similarly to Giardia and is often misdiagnosed for it when viewed under a microscope.
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus which causes enzootic bovine leukosis in cattle. It is closely related to the human T‑lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I). BLV may integrate into the genomic DNA of B‑lymphocytes as a DNA intermediate, or exist as unintegrated circular or linear forms. Besides structural and enzymatic genes required for virion production, BLV expresses the Tax protein and microRNAs involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis. In cattle, most infected animals are asymptomatic; leukemia is rare, but lymphoproliferation is more frequent (30%).
Campylobacter upsaliensis is a gram-negative bacteria in the Campylobacter genus. C. upsaliensis is found worldwide, and is a common cause of campylobacteriosis in humans, as well as gastroenteritis in dogs. Human infections are primarily associated with raw or undercooked meat and contaminated water sources, however there is some zoonotic risk associated with the spread from dogs. C. upsaliensis primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract as it damages gastrointestinal epithelial cells. There are many methods for detecting C.upsaliensis including PCR and ELISA, however there is no current gold standard in detection techniques. Infection is typically self limiting, however there is antimicrobial therapy available.
Gastrointestinal campylobacteriosis is caused by Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli. Although it is a commensal in the gastrointestinal tract of many species, it can cause diarrhea - mainly in young animals. It is most commonly seen in cattle, but may also infect many other species, including humans. Campylobacter is spread horizontally via the fecal-oral route.
Campylobacter coli is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic, non-endospore-forming, S-shaped bacterial species within genus Campylobacter. In humans, it C. coli can cause campylobacteriosis, a diarrhoeal disease which is the most frequently reported foodborne illness in the European Union. C. coli grows slowly with an optimum temperature of 42 °C. When exposed to air for long periods, they become spherical or coccoid shaped.
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly disease affecting beef cattle in the world. It is a complex, bacterial or viral infection that causes pneumonia in calves which can be fatal. The infection is usually a sum of three codependent factors: stress, an underlying viral infection, and a new bacterial infection. The diagnosis of the disease is complex since there are multiple possible causes.
Pseudocowpox is a disease caused by the Paravaccinia virus or Pseudocowpox virus, a virus of the family Poxviridae and the genus Parapoxvirus. Humans can contract the virus from contact with livestock infected with Bovine papular stomatitis and the disease is common among ranchers, milkers, and veterinarians. Infection in humans will present with fever, fatigue, and lesion on the skin.
Border disease (BD) is a viral disease of sheep and goats, primarily causing congenital diseases, but can also cause acute and persistent infections. It first appeared in the border regions of England and Wales in 1959, and has since spread world-wide. Lambs that are born with BD are commonly known as 'hairy shakers' due to the primary presentation of the disease. The disease was recognized before the virus, therefore the common name of the disease predates the understanding of the viral pathology. The virus can cause a significant reduction in the percentage of surviving lambs, thus it has a large economic impact on farmers.