Difference between revisions of "Brachyspira pilosicoli"
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{{Taxobox | {{Taxobox | ||
|name =''Brachyspira pilosicoli'' | |name =''Brachyspira pilosicoli'' | ||
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
| − | + | '''''Brachyspira pilosicoli''''' is a '''gram negative spiral shaped obligate anaerobe [[Bacteria|bacterium]]''', closely related to ''[[Brachyspira hyodysenteriae]]'', and one of the '''''[[Spirochaetes]]''''' family. The bacterium is loosely coiled and is 6-11µm long. It is only weakly haemolytic in contrast to ''B. hyodysenteriae.'' | |
| − | '''''Brachyspira pilosicoli''''' is a | ||
| − | The bacterium may have '''8-12 | + | The bacterium may have '''8-12 flagellae''', inserted at either pole of the cell and has a '''lipopolysaccharide cell wall''' which also acts as a virulence factor. |
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| + | This pathogen can also cause '''zoonotic disease''' in people. | ||
==Lifecycle== | ==Lifecycle== | ||
| − | Infection of ''B.pilosicoli'' is acquired via '''ingestion of contaminated faeces''' | + | Infection of ''B.pilosicoli'' is acquired via '''ingestion of contaminated faeces.''' Once in the Alimentary tract, the '''flagellae allow the bacterium to move through the mucus''' in the intestine and thus reach and invade its target cells in the large intestine. The organism remains '''infective for long periods in organic matter but is inactivated by sunlight.''' |
The pathogen has been isolated from '''dogs, birds, mice and humans'''. Dogs are thought to be a source of infection for people. | The pathogen has been isolated from '''dogs, birds, mice and humans'''. Dogs are thought to be a source of infection for people. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Pathogenesis== |
| − | ''B. pilosicoli'' | + | The '''attachment''' of ''B. pilosicoli'' to epithelial cells of colonic mucosa causes '''oedema, haemorrhage and leucocyte infiltration''', thus disrupting their function and leading to '''cell exfoliation and malabsorption'''. The invasion of goblet cells can also lead to '''secretory [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]].''' |
| − | + | '''Toxins and proteins''' released by ''B. pilosicoli'' have '''haemolytic and cytotoxic effects'''. Its membranous '''LPS''' also contains an endotoxin (lipid A). | |
| − | == | + | ==Diseases== |
| − | + | ''B. pilosicoli'' is the cause of '''[[Porcine Intestinal Spirochaetosis|porcine intestinal spirochaetosis]]''' which is a much '''milder disease than the [[Swine Dysentery]] caused by [[Brachyspira hyodysenteriae]]'''. | |
| − | + | Presence of the spirochaetes in grey-pink diarrhoeal faeces is diagnostic. | |
{{Learning | {{Learning | ||
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Hirsh, D. C., Maclachan, N. J., Walker, R. L (2004) '''Veterinary Microbiology 2nd ed.'''. Pp:131-133. ''Wiley-Blackwell, London''. | Hirsh, D. C., Maclachan, N. J., Walker, R. L (2004) '''Veterinary Microbiology 2nd ed.'''. Pp:131-133. ''Wiley-Blackwell, London''. | ||
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| + | {{review}} | ||
[[Category:Brachyspira_and_Serpulina]] | [[Category:Brachyspira_and_Serpulina]] | ||
[[Category:Pig Bacteria]] | [[Category:Pig Bacteria]] | ||
[[Category:Zoonoses]] | [[Category:Zoonoses]] | ||
| − | [[Category:CABI Expert Review | + | [[Category:CABI Expert Review]] |
Revision as of 14:46, 22 July 2011
| Brachyspira pilosicoli | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Spirochaetes |
| Class | Spirochaetes |
| Order | Spirochaetales |
| Family | Brachyspiraceae |
| Genus | Brachyspira |
| Species | B. pilosicoli |
Introduction
Brachyspira pilosicoli is a gram negative spiral shaped obligate anaerobe bacterium, closely related to Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, and one of the Spirochaetes family. The bacterium is loosely coiled and is 6-11µm long. It is only weakly haemolytic in contrast to B. hyodysenteriae.
The bacterium may have 8-12 flagellae, inserted at either pole of the cell and has a lipopolysaccharide cell wall which also acts as a virulence factor.
This pathogen can also cause zoonotic disease in people.
Lifecycle
Infection of B.pilosicoli is acquired via ingestion of contaminated faeces. Once in the Alimentary tract, the flagellae allow the bacterium to move through the mucus in the intestine and thus reach and invade its target cells in the large intestine. The organism remains infective for long periods in organic matter but is inactivated by sunlight.
The pathogen has been isolated from dogs, birds, mice and humans. Dogs are thought to be a source of infection for people.
Pathogenesis
The attachment of B. pilosicoli to epithelial cells of colonic mucosa causes oedema, haemorrhage and leucocyte infiltration, thus disrupting their function and leading to cell exfoliation and malabsorption. The invasion of goblet cells can also lead to secretory diarrhoea.
Toxins and proteins released by B. pilosicoli have haemolytic and cytotoxic effects. Its membranous LPS also contains an endotoxin (lipid A).
Diseases
B. pilosicoli is the cause of porcine intestinal spirochaetosis which is a much milder disease than the Swine Dysentery caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.
Presence of the spirochaetes in grey-pink diarrhoeal faeces is diagnostic.
| Brachyspira pilosicoli Learning Resources | |
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B. pilosicoli Flashcards |
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Brachyspira pilosicoli publications |
References
Hirsh, D. C., Maclachan, N. J., Walker, R. L (2004) Veterinary Microbiology 2nd ed.. Pp:131-133. Wiley-Blackwell, London.
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