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Alternative treatment of serious and mild Pasteurella multocida infection in New Zealand White rabbits

Authors :
Orsolya Palócz
Csaba Juhász
Zoltán Somogyi
Paul Clayton
Zoltán Dinya
György Csikó
János Gál
Source :
BMC Veterinary Research
Publication Year :
2014
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2014.

Abstract

Background Pasteurella multocida causes numerous economically relevant diseases in livestock including rabbits. Immunisation is only variably effective. Prophylactic antibiotics are used in some species but are contra-indicated in rabbits, due to their adverse effects on the rabbit microbiota. There is therefore a substantial need for alternative forms of infection control in rabbits; we investigated the effect of oral β-glucan on P. multocida infection in this species. Results Thirthy-five New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into five groups of seven animals. Three groups were inoculated with Pasteurella multocida intranasally (in.), a physiologically appropriate challenge which reproduces naturally acquired infection, and received either (1–3), (1–6) β-glucans or placebo. Four other groups were inoculated both in. and intramuscularly (im.), representing a supra-physiological challenge, and received either (1–3), (1–6) β-glucans, antibiotic or placebo. β-glucans given prophylactically were highly effective in protecting against physiological (in.) bacterial challenge. They were less effective in protecting against supra-physiological bacterial challenge (in. and im.), although they extended survival times. This latter finding has practical relevance to breeders as it extends the window in which heavily infected and symptomatic animals can be salvaged with antibiotics. Conclusions In our study, (1–3), (1–6) β-glucans were highly effective in protecting against a model of naturally acquired P. multocida infection and extended survival times in the supra-physiological model. Enrofloxacin was effective in protecting against supra-physiological infection. We are currently reviewing the use of combined prophylaxis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-014-0276-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Details

ISSN :
17466148
Volume :
10
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
BMC Veterinary Research
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....cfbdf78e53b6f12c03d646c70c765782
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-014-0276-6