Comparison of Three Tetracycline Antibiotic Treatment Regimens for Carrier Clearance of Persistent Anaplasma marginale Infection Derived under Field Conditions

Authors

  • J. B. Reinbold Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • J. F. Coetzee Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502
  • R. R. Ganta Department of Diagnostic Medicine / Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094303

Keywords:

Anaplasmosis, tick-transmitted disease, rickettsemias, antimicrobial regimens, diagnostic assay, treatment strategy

Abstract

Anaplasmosis, caused by the intracellular red blood cell parasite Anaplasma marginale, is the most prevalent tick-transmitted disease of cattle worldwide. Cattle recovering from acute anaplasmosis, including those treated with tetracycline antibiotics, develop lifelong cyclic rickettsemias. Carrier cattle serve as a reservoir of A. marginale for the infection of naïve cattle through horizontal, vertical, and iatrogenic transmission. Validated antimicrobial regimens do not exist for eliminating persistent infection; furthermore, anaplasmosis disease control is confounded by the absence of effective vaccines. A diagnostic testing strategy for identification of A. marginale infection and determination of chemotherapeutic success is urgently needed. A novel, real time RTPCR diagnostic assay and oral chlortetracycline (CTC) chemosterilization strategy were developed at Kansas State University under experimental conditions through concurrent RT-PCR results and plasma CTC pharmacokinetic determination. Validation of this diagnostic and treatment strategy utilizing cattle naturally-infected is essential for assembling science-based recommendations for anaplasmosis control, treatment, and eradication.

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Published

2009-09-10

Issue

Section

Research Summaries 1

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