GPLD1 and infection: As a major C. pseudotuberculosis virulence factor, the exotoxin pld has already been described as an important molecule in the host-pathogen relationship, since it is implicated in the dissemination of the bacteria from the original area of the infection to other organs, through the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin from the host's tissues and cell membranes (Pépin et al., 1989).