First Molecular Characterization of Trueperella pyogenes Isolated from a Rabbit Periodontal Abscess

Periodontal abscesses are a frequent health problem found in pet rabbits that could lead to severe complications, including life-threatening ones. Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic pathogen isolated from pyogenic infections in different animal species, mostly from farm animals such as ruminants and pigs. This study presents the first case of isolation and molecular characterization of T. pyogenes from a periodontal abscess in a pet rabbit. A narrative review concerning the bacteriological aetiology of odontogenic abscesses in rabbits is also presented. The identification of T. pyogenes isolate was obtained based on the phenotypic properties and confirmed by molecular biology methods, i.e., the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the presence of species-specific pyolysin gene. Furthermore, the pathogenic potential of the isolate was confirmed by the detection of six out of eight studied virulence genes. This report, along with the literature data, confirms that T. pyogenes may be one of the etiological agents of periodontal abscesses in rabbits. However, inadequate laboratory techniques may result in an underestimation of the occurrence of this bacterial species in rabbits. This study showed the need for standardization of the laboratory methods used for extended microbial culture for the clinical samples obtained from periodontal abscesses in rabbits. These procedures should also include the isolation of fastidious pathogens like T. pyogenes.