Pasteurellosis: A multifactorial bacterial disease in veterinary medicine with zoonotic implications

Abstract

Pasteurella multocida, an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium found in many domestic and wild animal species, is the main cause of pasteurellosis, a bacterial infection. The illness is found all over the world and presents with a wide range of clinical symptoms, from acute septicemia, which is frequently fatal, to respiratory tract infections. A complicated interplay between bacterial virulence, host immunological status, environmental conditions, and husbandry management significantly affects the occurrence of pasteurellosis. Clinical infections are largely caused by predisposing conditions such stress, population density, hunger, climate change, and respiratory virus infections. P. multocida has a number of pathogenic virulence features, such as a polysaccharide capsule that prevents phagocytosis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an endotoxin, and several toxins in certain strains that can harm tissue and dysregulate host cells. Extensive tissue damage, especially in the respiratory system and other critical organs, is frequently caused by an overreaction of the immune system to this illness. A thorough diagnosis of pasteurellosis necessitates a combination of pathological analysis, clinical observation, and laboratory confirmation using molecular methods like PCR and bacterial culture. Vaccination, stringent biosecurity procedures, better husbandry management, and proper antibiotic medication are the main control measures. However, incorporating these strategies within the livestock system is crucial for effective control. Due to decreased productivity, mortality, and high control costs, pasteurellosis not only affects animal health but also has major economic ramifications. With a focus on origins, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and control measures, this review attempts to give a thorough overview of pasteurellosis. The animal health system can use this review as a scientific resource to create efficient disease preventive and control initiatives.