Ann. Méd. Vét., 2009, 153 (1), pp 31-53 Mannheimiosis: from a (molecular)
fatal attraction to one of the most important ruminant breeding diseaseFETT T., ZECCHINON L., VANDEN BERGH P., DESMECHT D.Abstract :
Bacterial pneumonias represent the major problem in ruminant breeding and fattening, with high morbidity and mortality levels. Besides the several biological factors incriminated, Mannheimia haemolytica plays a great role as a complicating agent.
One of its features is the fact that it does not lead to broncho-alveolar fibrino-haemorragic pneumonias in non-ruminant species. Lesions result from massive necrosis of neutrophils and macrophages and from the release of their constituents. At the molecular level, this specificity
is due to the tight interaction between leukotoxin, the major bacterial virulence factor, and the CD18 subunit of the leukocytic surface receptors b2-integrins.
The review describes the consequences
of this binding at the macroscopic and microscopic levels and starts up a few therapeutic
perspectives based on recent research findings. Get the PDF Contact person : daniel.desmecht@ulg.ac.be |