Mycoplasma conjunctivae infection is self-maintained in the Swiss domestic sheep population

Janovský, Martin; Frey, Joachim; Nicolet, Jacques; Belloy, Luc; Goldschmidt-Clermont, Elinor; Giacometti, Marco

doi:10.1016/s0378-1135(01)00407-2

Cited by 32 publications

(47 citation statements)

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“…This coincides with the presence of domestic sheep grazing on summer pastures. In Switzerland, mycoplasmal IKC is a very common ocular disease in domestic sheep (Nicolet et al, 1974;Janovsky et al 2001). Close encounters between individuals of domestic and wild Caprinae are not uncommon in the Alps (Degiorgis, 1998), and flies are possible vectors for interspecific transmission of M. conjunctivae (Degiorgis et al, 1999).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Infection of chamois with M. conjunctivae induced a strong humoral response which could be detected by immunoblot analysis through the presence of seroreactive proteins of molecular masses of 175,83,69,60,50,42,36, and 33 kDa (Grattarola et al, 1999;Degiorgis et al, 2000b). Extraction of membrane proteins of M. conjunctivae using the Tween 20 method (Johansson and Hjerten, 1974) resulted in a protein fraction antigenetically specific for M. conjunctivae as shown in sheep sera (Belloy et al, 2001). To test chamois sera we used anti-sheep-anti-goat-IgG monoclonal antibodies instead of anti-ruminant-IgG which were used to test sheep sera (Belloy et al, 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An indirect ELISA method for detection of specific M. conjunctivae antibodies in chamois sera was developed based on Tween 20 extracted membrane protein fraction of M. conjunctivae strain HRC/581 T . This test was based on an ELISA previously developed for use in domestic sheep (Belloy et al, 2001). Serum was diluted 1:10 and applied to the plates.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The value of each sample was expressed as a percentage of a positive reference standard, by taking a negative reference serum as the zero value according to approved standardization methods (Nicolet and Martel, 1996). For ELISA validation in chamois, we compared data of chamois showing IKC signs with results from sheep sera analysed using the ELISA test as described in Belloy et al (2001).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the Swiss domestic sheep population, mycoplasmal IKC is endemic (Janovsky et al, 2001). The disease may be a nuisance to farmers since animals require treatment and some nursing in order to reduce the period of blindness.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mycoplasma Conjunctivae Infection Is Not Maintained in Alpine Chamois in Eastern Switzerland

Giacometti¹,

Janovský

Jenny³

et al. 2002

Journal of Wildlife Diseases

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The occurrence of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) was assessed in alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) in Grisons (Switzerland) from 1950 to 1999. The first IKC outbreaks were reported in the 1950's. Since then, the number of affected subpopulations constantly increased and, by 1999, IKC outbreaks were reported in 39 of 51 (77%) chamois subpopulations. From 1992-99, a total of 243 chamois which died of the consequences of IKC were recorded. The number of cases differed between years, and a distinct seasonal trend was observed. Infectious keratoconjunctivitis was more common during summer and autumn, with 48% of the cases recorded in August-October. Juveniles (Ͻ4 yr of age) were mostly represented. To verify the presence of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in chamois we analyzed conjunctival swabs taken from animals affected with IKC. Among a sample of 28 affected chamois, M. conjunctivae was identified 14 times (50%). An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect specific M. conjunctivae antibodies in sera of alpine chamois with IKC. We performed a serologic investigation to assess whether M. conjunctivae infection is self-maintained in the chamois population in Grisons. In subpopulations with IKC oubreaks, seroprevalence was low (8%). Seroprevalence was even lower in subpopulations with recent IKC outbreaks (3%). We concluded that the M. conjunctivae infection is not self-maintained in alpine chamois in Grisons. The agent may originate in domestic sheep living in proximity to chamois during summer. Control of IKC in chamois should consider immunoprophylaxis in sheep or limiting interspecific transmission of M. conjunctivae.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%