Superinfection occurs in Anaplasma phagocytophilum infected sheep irrespective of infection phase and protection status.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in domestic ruminants is widespread in the coastal areas of southern Norway. The bacteria may persist in mammalian hosts. Several genetic variants of A. phagocytophilum exist. In the present study, we investigate whether superinfection occurs in the acute and persistent phase of the infection.

Methods

Five-month-old lambs of the Norwegian Dala breed were experimentally infected with two 16S rRNA gene variants of A. phagocytophilum, i.e. A. phagocytophilum variant 1 (GenBank accession number M73220) and variant 2 (GenBank acc. no. AF336220). Eighteen lambs were used, two lambs in each group. Eight groups were experimentally inoculated with either variant 1 or 2 on day 0. Six of these groups were then challenged with the other var

SUBMITTER: Stuen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2772837 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature