Serological Detection of Listeriosis at a Farm

Authors: M. KAZIM BÖRKÜ, KEREM URAL, SERKAL GAZYAĞCI, YUNUSEMRE ÖZKANLAR, CAHİT BABÜR, SELÇUK KILIÇ

Abstract: Sera of 50 goats, 3 horses, 1 dog, and 6 herdsmen were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against Listeria monocytogenes by the Osebold agglutination assay on a commercial farm in Akyurt, Ankara. Some of the goats exhibited clinical signs such as apathy, unilateral facial paralysis, incoordination, and abortion. Of the goat samples, 23 (46%) were seropositive and 10 (20%) were at the level of the suspected titer and 17 (34%) were below the cut-off titer in this assay. All horses, the dog and 5 herdsmen were seropositive. The analysis of cerebro-spinal fluid, taken from an agonic goat whose antibody titer was 1/400, revealed a total leukocyte count of 1000 white blood cells per decaliter and total protein of 228.4 mg/dl. The results of this study suggest that listeriosis is prevalent in different animal species and humans, and this infection should be considered by both veterinarians and public health officials.

Keywords: Listeriosis, goat, Osebold method

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