Epidemiological investigation of a Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis outbreak in swine
January 1st, 2011
Epidemiology and Infection publish this investigation article
Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (Mah) infection in swine may cause granulomatous lesions in lymph nodes that must undergo differential diagnosis with those caused by M. tuberculosis complex members. In addition, Mah outbreaks can lead to severe economical losses due to condemnation of carcasses. A number of potential sources of infection for animals can usually be identified in infected farms. The present report describes the application of several molecular characterization techniques in order to identify the possible environmental sources of Mah infection in an outbreak involving four breeding farms and six fattening farms. Molecular profiles obtained from Mah strains suggest a likely epidemiological link between clinical and environmental isolates cultured from sawdust and cooling systems from one breeding farm. These results highlight the potential risk posed by 24 these environmental elements in the spread of infection and the need for implementation of adequate management practices in order to minimize this risk
Alvarez J., Castellanos E., Romero B., Aranaz A., Bezos J., Rodriguez-Campos S., Mateos A., Dominguez L. and de Juan L..
