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VIBRIOS FROM THE INTESTINAL TRACT OF THE GRAY RAT.
F S Jones1, R B Little, M Orcutt
1Department of Animal and Plant Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, N. J.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Vibrio bacteria are normal inhabitants of wild rat intestines, specifically the ileum and cecum. Though similar in form to cattle Vibrio, they are serologically distinct from cow-associated strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Science
- Zoonotic Research
Background:
- Vibrio species are known to inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of various animals.
- Understanding the normal microbial flora of wild animals is crucial for disease ecology.
- Previous studies have identified Vibrio in cattle with intestinal diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe Vibrio organisms isolated from the intestinal tracts of wild rats.
- To determine the prevalence and location of Vibrio in rat intestines.
- To compare rat Vibrio with those found in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of Vibrio from the ileum and cecum of wild rats.
- Characterization of bacterial growth and morphology.
- Serological testing to compare rat and cow Vibrio strains.
Main Results:
- Vibrio were identified as normal inhabitants of the lower ileum and cecum of wild rats.
- Rat Vibrio exhibited similar growth characters and morphology to Vibrio from cattle intestinal disease.
- Significant serological differences were observed between Vibrio from rats and cows.
Conclusions:
- Wild rats harbor Vibrio as a normal intestinal component.
- Despite morphological similarities, rat and cow Vibrio are distinct serotypes.
- This finding has implications for understanding Vibrio reservoirs and host specificity.
