Detection of antibodies against Rhodococcus equi in Alpaca (Lama pacos) in Italy.

After isolating the two virulent strains of Rhodococcus equi from Alpaca, a serological survey of Rhodococcus equi infection was carried out on 57 blood samples of Alpaca collected in Central Italy. The survey was performed with an ELISA test using a reference R. equi strain as antigen (ATCC 33701). Four (7.0%) sera (OD greater or equal to 0.3) tested positive, while five (8.77%) were considered doubtful (OD between 0.2 and 0.3). This is the first serological survey of R. equi infection in Alpaca in Italy. The results indicate that besides the horse R. equi infection could also affect some ruminant species. The ELISA test was recently introduced as a reliable diagnostic method in horses and was adapted to alpaca.