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The oral microbial community of gingivitis and lumpy jaw in captive macropods

John F Antiabong1, Wayne Boardman, Robert B Moore

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia; School of Applied Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.

Research in Veterinary Science
|September 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated oral bacteria in macropods with gingivitis and lumpy jaw. Findings suggest these polymicrobial diseases alter oral bacterial communities, impacting diversity and aligning with the ecological plaque hypothesis.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Oral Ecology
  • Animal Pathology

Background:

  • Gingivitis and lumpy jaw are polymicrobial diseases affecting macropods.
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum is a known pathogen, but other associated organisms remain largely uncharacterized.
  • Understanding the oral microbiome's role is crucial for disease management in macropods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify potential pathogens associated with gingivitis and lumpy jaw in macropods using molecular techniques.
  • To analyze shifts in oral bacterial community structure and diversity in diseased versus healthy macropods.
  • To determine if the ecological plaque hypothesis applies to these macropod oral diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was employed to profile oral bacterial communities.
  • Comparison of PCR-DGGE profiles between healthy and diseased macropod groups.
  • Analysis of bacterial diversity using Shannon index and Principal Logistic (PL) curves.

Main Results:

  • PCR-DGGE identified potential pathogens contributing to gingivitis and lumpy jaw in macropods.
  • Significant shifts in oral bacterial community structures were observed: 48% similarity for gingivitis and 35% for lumpy jaw compared to healthy controls.
  • Gingivitis correlated with increased bacterial diversity (Shannon index = 2.87), while lumpy jaw showed decreased diversity (Shannon index = 2.47).

Conclusions:

  • The study supports the ecological plaque hypothesis for the development of gingivitis and lumpy jaw in macropods.
  • Findings highlight the need for further epidemiological research into these polymicrobial oral diseases.
  • Results inform the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents for effective disease control and management in macropods.
Keywords:
Bacterial pathogensGingivitisLumpy jawMacropodsOral diseasesPolymicrobial diseases

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