Cilia-associated respiratory bacillus infection in rats in New Zealand
M K Kakrada1, J S Lumsden, E A Lee
1Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Aims:
To demonstrate cilia-associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus associated with chronic pneumonia in wild and pet rats in New Zealand.
Methods:
A range of tissues from 4 rats were examined grossly and by light microscopy and affected lungs were examined by transmission electron microscopy.
Results:
All 4 rats had moderate to severe cranioventral bronchopneumonia with bronchiectasis and large numbers of argentophilic bacteria resembling CAR bacillus, intimately associated with the bronchial epithelium.
Conclusions:
CAR bacillus infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for pneumonia in rats in New Zealand.
Related Concept Videos
Rabies
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease


