Fatal Infection in an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Caused by Pathogenic Rhodococcus equi

A Case Series on Streptococcus agalactiae Infection in Llamas and Alpacas in a Semi-Intensive Breeding System in Southern Brazil

The South American Camelids (CSA), including llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos), are primarily concentrated in the Andean countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru, where they represent an important source of income for the local population. In Brazil, their captive breeding, although recent, has gained significant attention. These animals can act as potential carriers and transmitters of diseases, especially those with zoonotic potential. For many years, Streptococcus agalactiae was considered a strictly contagious bacterium among bovine herds. However, it has now been identified in various other animal species. This study aims to describe the clinical aspects of an outbreak of S. agalactiae in a herd of llamas and alpacas in southern Brazil. Two llamas and one alpaca presented chronic formation of encapsulated suppurative abscesses on the flank region. After conducting microbiological cultures, the pathogen was confirmed using MALDI-TOF MS. An antibiogram was performed, demonstrating antimicrobial sensitivity to most evaluated agents but indicating resistance to tetracycline, oxacillin, and orbifloxacin. The animals fully recovered after treatment with penicillin, with no recurrence of the infection. This study describes the first cases of S. agalactiae infection in llamas and alpacas in Brazil, highlighting the importance of further research on the health, breeding, and management of these animals.

Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline in Alpacas After Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administration

Background/Objectives: Doxycycline, a tetracycline-class antibiotic, is commonly used across various species to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria. However, pharmacokinetic data on its use in alpacas remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline following intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration in alpacas. Methods: A randomized crossover study (n = 6) was employed, with dosages of 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg after intravenous and subcutaneous administration, respectively. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times up to 96 h after both routes of administration. Plasma doxycycline concentrations were determined using validated high-performance liquid chromatography with a UV detector and then analyzed based on non-compartmental pharmacokinetic methods. Results: All alpacas maintained optimal health and general condition throughout the trial period. After intravenous administration, the Vz value (0.90 L/kg) indicated a good distribution of this antibiotic in the alpacas. The maximum concentration value (Cmax) after SC administration of doxycycline was 1.40 µg/mL, reached at 1.92 h. Low bioavailability (F = 36.83%) of doxycycline was observed after SC administration. Conclusions: PK/PD ratios calculated from the pharmacokinetic data obtained, at a dose of 20 mg/kg and SC route of administration, suggest that doxycycline administered every 24 h could be effective against bacterial infections with MICs of 0.125 and 0.5 µg/mL. However, multi-dose and pharmacodynamic studies are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of using doxycycline in alpacas.

Paratuberculosis in South American camelids: two independent cases in alpacas in Germany

BACKGROUND

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis that affects domestic and wild ruminants and camelids. The disease has rarely been reported in alpacas in Germany. This publication describes epidemiologically independent cases of paratuberculosis in two alpacas in Germany.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two alpacas, a 26-year-old female zoo animal (case 1) and a 2.5-year-old breeding stallion from a private owner (case 2), presented with progressive emaciation, leading to death (case 2) or euthanasia (case 1) because of deteriorating general condition. In both cases typical granulomatous lesions in the intestinal mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes were found. In case 2, other lymph nodes were severely enlarged and MAP was detected in the mandibular lymph node, lung, and liver by qPCR. The MAP isolates differed between the alpacas, with two distinct phylogenetic clades (Clade 1 and 8) within Subgroup A of the MAP-C type group and two distinct INMV profiles (INMV 2 and 1) found. These genotypes have been identified in cattle and goats in different regions in Germany. The genotype isolated from case 1 has been detected in goats from the zoo since 2011, indicating transmission between these species.

CONCLUSIONS

MAP can cause severe clinical disease in alpacas of variable age and under different husbandry conditions. Therefore, paratuberculosis should be considered for differential diagnosis in alpacas with emaciation and poor general condition. Although not definitely shown, cross-species infection between ruminant species and camelids is exceedingly likely.

Comparison of automatic methods MALDI-TOF, VITEK2 and manual methods for the identification of intestinal microbial communities on the example of samples from alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Introduction

Universally, in microbiological diagnostics the detection of live bacteria is essential. Rapid identification of pathogens enables appropriate remedial measures to be taken. The identification of many bacteria simultaneously facilitates the determination of the characteristics of the accompanying microbiota and/or the microbiological complexity of a given environment.

Material and Methods

The effectiveness of the VITEK2 Compact automated microbial identification system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), analytical profile index (API) and Remel RapID tests were compared in identification of bacteria isolated from the alpaca gastrointestinal tract.

Results

Most isolates were Gram-positive, such as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis; Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus gallinarum, Enterococcus hirae and Enterococcus casseliflavus; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus lentus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus sciuri; Paenibacillus amylolyticus; Cellulosimicrobium cellulans; Leuconostoc mesenteroides; Clostridium perfringens; Corynebacterium stationis, Corynebacterium xerosis, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae (the last only isolated manually by API Coryne and the VITEK2 system and Corynebacteria (CBC) card). Corynebacterium diphtheriae was misidentified by MALDI-TOF MS as Candida lipolytica (currently Yarrowia lipolytica). Gram-positive and Gram-variable Micrococcus luteus were also isolated. Gram-negative Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter gergoviae, Enterobacter hormaechei and Enterobacter ludwigii; E. coli; Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae; Citrobacter braakii and Citrobacter freundii; Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia odorifera and Serratia marcescens; Morganella morganii subsp. morganii; Providencia alcalifaciens; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; Moraxella osloensis; and Ochrobactrum intermedium were also found. The yeasts Candida albicans, Candida haemulonii and Candida ciferrii were also present.

Conclusion

MALDI-TOF MS enabled the identification of pathogens and opportunistic pathogens from the alpaca gut which may represent a high risk to human and animal health.