Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026

An Experimental Model of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rabbit: Methodological Considerations, Development, and Assessment
Published on: April 20, 2018
Multicausal etiology of the enteric syndrome in rabbits from Mexico
Virginia G García-Rubio1, Linda G Bautista-Gómez1, José S Martínez-Castañeda2
1Centro Universitario UAEM Amecameca, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Amecameca-Ayapango, C.P. 56900 Amecameca, Estado de México, México.
Abstract:
Enteropathies in rabbits are difficult to diagnose; their etiology involves pathogens that act synergistically, causing damage to the intestine. The aim of the present study was isolate enteric pathogens from rabbits in Mexico. Using parasitological, bacteriological and molecular analyses, we screened 58 samples of the intestinal content of rabbits having a clinical history of enteric disease from the southeastern part of the State of Mexico. Out of the 58 samples analyzed, a total of 86 identifications were made, Eimeria spp. were found in 77.5%, followed by Aeromonas spp. in 15.5% and Escherichia coli in 8.6%, which were identified as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), and the presence of the following agents was also confirmed: Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Mannheimia spp. and Rotavirus. The concurrent presence of Eimeria spp. with Aeromonas was frequent (15.5%); there was statistical significance for the presence of an association between the clinical profiles and Eimeria spp. (p=0.000), Mannheimia spp. (p=0.001), Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. (p=0.006).
Insights
Enteropathies in rabbits are challenging to diagnose, often involving multiple synergistic pathogens. This study identified common enteric pathogens in Mexican rabbits, with Eimeria spp. being the most prevalent.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Enteropathies in rabbits present diagnostic challenges due to complex etiologies involving synergistic pathogens.
- Understanding the prevalence of enteric pathogens is crucial for effective disease management in rabbit populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify enteric pathogens from rabbits with clinical signs of enteric disease in Mexico.
- To investigate the association between identified pathogens and clinical profiles in affected rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 58 intestinal content samples from rabbits with enteric disease using parasitological, bacteriological, and molecular techniques.
- Identification of enteric pathogens including protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.
Main Results:
- Eimeria spp. were identified in 77.5% of samples, followed by Aeromonas spp. (15.5%) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (8.6%).
- Other identified agents included Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Mannheimia spp., and Rotavirus.
- A frequent concurrent presence of Eimeria spp. and Aeromonas spp. (15.5%) was observed, with significant associations between clinical profiles and Eimeria spp., Mannheimia spp., Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable data on the prevalence of enteric pathogens in rabbits in Mexico, highlighting Eimeria spp. as a major component.
- The identified synergistic pathogen interactions and associations with clinical signs underscore the complexity of rabbit enteropathies.
- Findings emphasize the need for integrated diagnostic approaches to address rabbit enteric diseases effectively.
Related Concept Videos
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:

