Vet. Res. 38 (2007) 613-623
DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2007013

Molecular genotyping of multinational ovine and caprine Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Kathleen M. Connor^a, Michael C. Fontaine^a, Karen Rudge^a, Graham J. Baird^b and William Donachie<sup>a

a</sup>  Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
^b  Graham Baird, SAC Veterinary Science Division, Greycrook, St. Boswells, Melrose TD6 0EQ, Scotland, United Kingdom

(Received 31 August 2006; accepted 21 February 2007 ; published online 13 June 2007)

Abstract - Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic, suppurative disease, with a worldwide distribution, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The clinical manifestation of CLA is known to vary between different countries, and has been postulated to be due to differences in the strains present in these countries. Forty-two sheep and goat isolates of C. pseudotuberculosis from Australia, Canada, Eire, The Netherlands and Northern Ireland were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), biotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and production of phospholipase D. The PFGE-determined genotypes of this multicentric collection were then compared with representative ovine and caprine isolates from a previously published panel of PFGE profiles of United Kingdom isolates. Digestion with SfiI generated 16-18 bands in the 48.5 and 290 kb range, and differentiated four distinct pulsotypes amongst the 36 ovine and 6 caprine strains which displayed remarkable homogeneity. Based on these results, it would appear that the genome of C. pseudotuberculosis is highly conserved, irrespective of the country of strain origin.

Key words: Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis / antimicrobial susceptibility / PFGE pulsotypes / genome  / caseous lymphadenitis

Corresponding author: willie.donachie@moredun.ac.uk

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2007