Species identification and serotyping (capsular antigen) of Pasteurella strains from sheep flocks in south Germany and in Syria.
135 Pasteurella strains were cultivated from nasal swabs of sheep as well as pneumonic lungs of dead and slaughtered sheep. The specimen originated from 41 flocks in South Germany and from 15 flocks and 60 slaughter sheep in Syria (Hama region). Serovariety A2 prevailed amongst P. haemolytica strains (6) isolated in South Germany (53 strains) and in Syria (41 strains). In addition 10 further serovarieties were identified in South Germany (next frequent were A8, A1 and A6) and 7 in Syria. Untypable strains appeared to be more frequent in Syria. Other Pasteurellae (17) represented 1/4 of isolates in Syria and 1/3 of isolates in South Germany. Species identification resulted in P. multocida ssp. multocida (25), P. multocida ssp. septica (4 strains, Syria only), P. canis (3 strains, South Germany only) and Pasteurella-like strains (9 strains). Twelve P. multocida ssp. multocida strains carried capsular antigen D and 7 capsular antigen A. In most cases where multiple samples were examined from one flock, strains with different capsular antigens and/or belonging to different Pasteurella species were isolated (max. 8).
Cross-Protection Studies with Three Serotypes of Pasteurella haemolytica in the Goat Model
Abstract. Cross-protection studies employing three serotypes of Pasteurella haemolytica (Ph) were performed in goats, with challenge exposure by transthoracic injection. Indirect hemagglutination (IHA) serum titers showed that the herd had been naturally infected with Ph biovar A, serovar 2 (PhA2) prior to the study. Sixty-four weanling male Spanish goats were randomly allotted to 16 groups. Fifteen goats were given two transthoracic injections into the lungs 21 days apart with live Pasteurella haemolytica biovar A, serovar 1 (PhA1) in agar beads. Fifteen goats were given two transthoracic injections into the lungs 21 days apart with live PhA2 in agar beads. Sixteen goats were given two transthoracic injections into the lungs 21 days apart with live P. haemolytica biovar A, serovar 6 (PhA6) in agar beads. Eighteen control (CON) goats were given two transthoracic injections into the lungs 21 days apart with agar beads alone. Fourteen days after the second injection, goats were challenge-exposed to either live PhA1, PhA2, or PhA6 by transthoracic injection into the lung, and 4 days later, all goats were euthanatized and necropsied. Serum antibody to P. haemolytica antigens was measured throughout the experiment. Mean volumes of consolidated lung tissue for the CON goats challenged with PhA1, PhA2, and PhA6 were 28.29 cm3, 8.36 cm3, and 16.29 cm3, respectively. Mean volumes of consolidated lung tissue for the PhA1-immunized goats challenged with PhA1, PhA2, and PhA6 were 4.38 cm3, 0.25 cm3, and 1.90 cm3, respectively. Mean volumes of consolidated lung tissue for the PhA2-immunized goats challenged with PhA1, PhA2, and PhA6 were 9.68 cm3, 0.05 cm3, and 3.39 cm3, respectively. Mean volumes of consolidated lung tissue for the PhA6-immunized goats challenged with PhA1, PhA2, and PhA6 were 14.05 cm3, 1.27 cm3, and 4.53 cm3, respectively. These data demonstrate protection in immunized goats challenged with the homologous serotype of P. haemolytica. PhA1-immunized animals were protected against serotype 2 challenge as well as against serotype 6 challenge. PhA2-immunized animals were not protected against serotype 1 challenge, but were protected against transthoracic PhA6 challenge. PhA6-immunized animals were not protected against serotype 1 challenge, but were protected against transthoracic PhA2 challenge. There appears to be some cross-protection among the P. haemolytica serotypes, and this fact should be taken into consideration when developing vaccines against this organism.
The status of FAO and codex alimentarius developments on vegetable proteins
The FAO is interested in increasing world protein supplies both by advising and assisting developing countries to increase their production of staple foods and by encouraging the development of technology to produce protein concentrates both from vegetable and animal sources to supplement diets which are low in protein content. Recent revisions of the amount of protein required in the diet in relation to total per capita energy requirements and the difficulties encountered in introducing novel foods into established dietary patterns has led FAO to concentrate on increased agricultural productions in developing countries as the primary means of combatting malnutrition. In the meantime, in North America and Europe, advances in the technology of processing vegetable proteins has given highly acceptable products simulating meats which are being used as meat extenders and meat analogues. The consequent increase in vegetable protein production has revealed a need for international, agreement on standardization, and it has been agreed that this will be undertaken by the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards’ Programme. The program operates chiefly through the Codex Alimentarius, Commission, an international governmental body, the purpose of which is to protect consumers against health hazard in food and against fraud. The Commission, which has 116 member governments, controls an intensive program of work covering the composition, labeling, additives, contaminants, pesticide residues, hygiene, sampling and analysis aspects of foods and has established a procedure which allows member governments ample opportunity to reach agreement on food standards and to accept them for incorporation into national legislation. The Codex Commission, at its 12th session, decided to establish a Committee on Vegetable Proteins with the following terms of references: “to elaborate definitions and world-wide standards for vegetable protein products deriving from soybeams, cottonseed, groundnuts, cereals and from other vegetable sources as they come into use for human consumption, and to elaborate guidelines on utilization of such vegetable protein products in the food supply system, on nutritional requirements and safety on labeling and on other aspects as may seem appropriate.” The question of which country will host the Committee is still under discussion.