E2 Family Spirochetaceae Flashcards
What is the gram reaction of the family Spirochaetaceae?
Gram negative
What is special about the morphology of bacteria in the family Spirochaetaceae?
Long long helical rods
Where are bacteria in the family Spirochaetaceae commonly found?
- Environment
= water, soil, vegetation - Commensals of many animals
What is important about the metabolism of bacteria in the family Spirochaetaceae?
Anaerobic
but aerotolerant
What is the best diagnostic test for bacteria in the family Spirochaetaceae?
Serology
How are bacteria in the family Spirochaetaceae identified?
- Number of turns
- Overall length
- Type of motility
What animals is infected with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae? What is the name of the disease?
Pigs
Swine Dysentery “bloody scours”
What is the route of transmission of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae?
Fecal-oral
What tissue does Brachyspira hyodysenteriae colonize?
Colon
Why is Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection so pathogenic?
Bacteria release endotoxin & hemolysin
What age is most affected by infection with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae?
Older weaned piglets
What is the best diagnostic test for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection?
PCR
What is unique about the pathogenesis of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection?
It requires other bacteria to cause disease!
no disease in pigs sole infected with B hyodysenteriae
What other animal may spread Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection?
Birds may spread the disease between farms
What disease is caused by Brachyspira pilosicoli?
Porcine colonic spirochetosis
How severe is the disease in pigs caused by Brachyspira pilosicoli?
Only some diarrhea
What is unique about the culturing of genus Leptospira?
Requires B vitamins
What is special about the growth of Leptospira interrogans?
It has two phases
What are the two growth phases of Leptospira interrogans?
- Leptospiremia (1 week)
2. Leptospuria (months)
Where is the primary site of replication for Leptospira interrogans?
Liver
Can infection with Leptospira interrogans affect pregnancy?
Yes
How does Leptospira interrogans enter the body?
Through cuts in the skin
What animals are affected by Leptospira interrogans infection?
All domestic species
How does Leptospira interrogans evade host immunity?
Hides in immune privileged sites
kidneys, eye, brain
Is there a vaccine for Leptospira interrogans?
Yes
but short term protection
Are humans at risk for Leptospira interrogans infection?
Yes
but it is rare
What is important about the Spirochaetaceae genus Borrelia?
Tick transmission
What animals are infected by Borrelia anserina? What disease does it cause?
Chickens, turkeys, geese, etc
Fowl Spirochetosis
What is the most important clinical sign of Borrelia anserina infection?
Swollen spleen
green-yellow diarrhea
What is the best way to control Borrelia anserina infections?
Tick control
What animals are affected by Borrelia burgdorferi? What is the disease called?
Humans, dogs, horses, mice & deer
Lyme disease!
What is unique about Borrelia burgdorferi infection in cats?
Can be seropositive cats do not have clinical signs
What animals are required in the life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi?
Ticks
Mice (harbor bacterium)
Deer
What Borrelia burgdorferi ssp is responsible for Lyme disease?
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato
How long do ticks need to be attached to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria?
4 to 8 hrs
Do all dogs that are seropositive show clinical signs?
No
only 10%
How to nervous system clinical signs arise from Borrelia burgdorferi infection?
Flagellin Abs cross-react with host axon proteins
What are classic clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs?
Icterus
Lameness
What is the best way to diagnose Borrelia burgdorferi infection?
PCR
What is unique about the antibody response to Borrelia burgdorferi infection?
Ab response is slow to develop
Is there a vaccine for Borrelia burgdorferi infection?
Yes in dogs
Only effective for 6-12 months
What other bacteria is has been seen increasingly in infections with Borrelia burgdorferi?
Anaplasmosis
