Zeitschrift für klinische und zelluläre Immunologie
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Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis: Immunological Responses in Animal Models and Zoonotic Potential

Bruno Lopes Bastos, Ricardo Wagner Dias Portela, Fernanda Alves Dorella, Dayana Ribeiro, Núbia Seyffert, Thiago Luiz de Paula Castro, Anderson Miyoshi, Sérgio Costa Oliveira, Roberto Meyer and Vasco Azevedo

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a member of the Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium and Nocardia (CMN) group that comprises species of medical, veterinary and biotechnological interest. This pathogen mainly affects small ruminants, causing caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), but it also infects bovines, equines, pigs, deer, camels and humans, showing its zoonotic relevance. Phospholipase D (PLD) and the toxic lipid cell wall are the two most wellstudied virulence factors of this bacterium. They are responsible, in part, for the establishment of disease in the host. Current knowledge on the immunity induced by C. pseudotuberculosis indicates that the resistance to infection is a complex process involving components of both the non-specific and specific host responses, in which humoral and cellular immune responses are both operative. Despite this knowledge and the importance of the disease, a satisfactory vaccine model for sheep and goats has not been developed. Moreover, a control program that includes an efficient diagnostic method in addition to vaccination is crucial for avoiding the spread of bacteria inside flocks. Further, because of its zoonotic potential, C. pseudotuberculosis infection of animals can contaminate meat and milk, putting consumers at risk. The ability of C. pseudotuberculosis to infect both animals and humans makes studies on prevention and diagnosis of this pathogen important.