− | Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals and occasionally dogs, cats and calves. Tyzzer's disease in foals usually occurs in individual animals, whereas outbreaks of disease occur in rodents and rabbits. The disease most commonly affects young, stressed animals. | + | Tyzzer's disease is an acute, highly fatal bacterial infection that is seen in a wide range of animals. It most commonly affects foals and laboratory animals and occasionally dogs, cats and calves. Tyzzer's disease in foals usually occurs in individual animals, whereas outbreaks of disease occur in rodents and rabbits (for more information see [[Tyzzer's Disease - Rabbit|here]]). The disease most commonly affects young, stressed animals. |
− | The bacteria that causes the disease is ''[[Clostridium piliforme]]'', a gram negative spore-forming intracellular bacterium found in soil and faeces. The aetiology of the disease is poorly understood. Infection most likely results from oral exposure to spores; possible mechanisms include ingestion of spore-forming faeces or contact with carrier animals. Following ingestion, the spores colonise the intestine and liver via the portal circulation. Dissemination to the hepatocytes, enterocytes and myocytes then occurs. | + | The bacteria that causes the disease is ''[[Clostridium piliforme]]'', a gram negative spore-forming intracellular bacterium found in soil and faeces. The aetiology of the disease is poorly understood. Infection most likely results from oral exposure to spores; possible mechanisms include ingestion of spore-forming faeces or contact with carrier animals. Following ingestion, the spores colonise the intestine and liver via the portal circulation. Dissemination to the hepatocytes, enterocytes and myocytes then occurs. |