Small ruminant lentivirus and Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis: co-infection prevalence and preliminary investigation on genetic resistance to both infections in a Garfagnina goat flock

Francesca Cecchi; FILIPPO FRATINI; DOMENICO CERRI; PATRIZIA BANDECCHI; CARLO CANTILE; MAURIZIO MAZZEI

Francesca Cecchi Department of Veterinary Science
FILIPPO FRATINI
DOMENICO CERRI
PATRIZIA BANDECCHI
CARLO CANTILE
MAURIZIO MAZZEI

Keywords: Garfagnina goats, paratuberculosis, small ruminant lentivirus, co-infection, STR, genetic resistance

Abstract

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are a heterogeneous group of viruses of sheep, goats and wild ruminants, causing persistent infection and responsible of chronic degenerative disease of joints, lungs, udder and central nervous system in small ruminants. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is also a major production-limiting disease, which causes a chronic infection of ruminants. The disease causes persistent diarrhea, progressive weight loss, debilitation, anemia, and eventually death. Both SRLVs and MAP are widespread in small ruminants in many countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of SRLVs and MAP co-infection in a Garfagnina goat flock consisting of 269of 269 females and 20 males and located in Garfagnana district (Tuscany, Italy). All adult females were tested for MAP and SRLVs infection. Out of 269 all tested animals, 36 animals in total were positive for one or both infections. A total of 27 goats (10%) were positive to MAP and 21 goats (7.8%) were positive to SRLV. The apparent prevalence of co-infection was 4.5%, counting 12 goats positive for both infections. No significant association was found between subjects seropositive to SRLV and MAP. To investigate possible genetic influences on susceptibility or resistance of goats for both disease, all co-infected animals were compared with no infected animals (control group, 12 goats). Blood samples were collected and 12 STR markers (MAF65, SRCRSP5, INRA023, MCM527, CSRD247, SRCRSP23 OarFCB20, TGLA53, INRA005, INRA063, ETH10, ILSTS87) were investigated. For each marker, allele and genotypes frequencies between the two groups of animals were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact tests. In this study, no statistical differences in alleles or genotypes frequency were observed but the important role of the ETH10 marker observed discussed in previous studies is confirmed. Future works may include replication of this study with a larger number of animals to confirm these results.