Bacteriophage Lysis of Bacterial Pathogens of Calf Pneumonia
Kaikabo AA 1*, Takyu MA 2, Ibrahim L 1
- Bacteriology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
- Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Vom, Nigeria
*aakaikabo@nvri.gov.ng (Dr Kaikabo AA)
Haemophilus somni and Pasteurella multocida are bacterial pathogens causing respiratory disease in cattle and pneumonia in calves. These two organisms were recently isolated from a case of pneumonia in calves. The disease causes high mortality due to the immunocompromised state of the calves. During the outbreak, the calves examined showed clinical signs of severe bronchopneumonia, including anorexia, coughing, nasal discharge, dyspnea, diarrhea, distension of the neck, lethargy, recumbency, lameness preceding collapse, and high mortality was recorded. Treatment with ceftiofur a drug of choice showed a seeming resistance with a continued occurrences of mortality in the herd. These two organisms were used as host, and were completely lysed by a bacteriophage from a tannery waste water. This phage when fully harnessed could be a possible control of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in cattle or Pneumonia in calves.