In autumn 2019, increased brown hare mortality was observed in north-eastern Austria. Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, now report in the journal “Letters in Applied Microbiology” that the most likely cause was a bacterial infection with the pathogen Cronobacter turicensis, a pathogen known to humans. The scientists warn that there is a risk of the bacterium being transmitted to humans through wildlife.
In their work, the experts were able to prove that the death of the hare (Lepus europaeus) due to colonic inflammation was caused by genetically different strains of Cronobacter turicensis. This is the first evidence worldwide of a clinical infection in wild animals with this pathogen, so far infections have only been documented in humans. Among these, the pathogen C. turicensis is mainly known to cause disease in immunocompromised humans and newborns.
Transmission to humans possible
“Due to the potential of this bacterium to cause serious human diseases, the risk of transmission to humans should be considered. This is particularly true for people who are in direct contact with rabbits, such as hunters, farmers or veterinarians,” explained study author Annika Posautz from the Research Institute for Wildlife Ecology at the Vetmeduni.
The experts therefore recommend a more detailed examination of wild animal populations: “The potential danger emanating from the bacterium Cronobacter turicensis underlines how important it is to examine more closely the general role of wild animals as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic C. turicensis strains,” emphasized Posautz.
The Cronobacter genus of bacteria includes seven species that are known to be ubiquitous pathogens that can contaminate various foods. Of particular concern are two species, C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus, which are implicated in most clinical Cronobacter infections in humans and can cause severe symptoms such as blood poisoning, intestinal inflammation and meningitis.
Service: Internet: https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.13685
