Serology of Campylobacter fetus fetus strains from four outbreaks of ovine abortion

Authors: de Lisle GW, Wall EP, Stephens DJ, Bird MME
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 32, Issue 1-2, pp 14-17, Jan 1984
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Abortion/stillbirth, Bacterial, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Disease/defect, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: As a result of a Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries survey on ovine abortions, 76 isolates of Campylobacterfetus fetus were obtained. These isolates were from four farms in the southern Hawkes Bay, with an abortion incidence of 2.8% to 9.1%. Antisera to eight different strains of C. fetus fetus were made in rabbits. Strains were then examined using whole cell tube agglutination tests and sensitised Staphylococcal Protein A slide agglutination tests. Heat labile antigens were examined by absorbing antisera with heat-treated bacteria. Two broad serogroups were found, but within-group variation was demonstrated by cross-absorbing antisera. The isolates from one farm were all of a single broad serogroup. Both serogroups were found on the remaining three farms. Evidence for the presence of two major serogroups was also obtained by immobilisation tests and antigen analysis by gel diffusion.

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