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Characterization of a Haemophilus paracuniculus isolated from gastrointestinal tracts of rabbits with mucoid
Abstract:
The isolation, characterization, and identification of a microorganism isolated from gastrointestinal tracts of rabbits with mucoid enteritis are described. The isolated organism did not grow on standard media. This organism grew around colonies of Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus desidiosus and around disks saturated with diphosphopyridin nucleotide (factor V) on brain heart infusion agar. The growth of this organism was also observed on media supplemented with beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. The organism appeared as gram-negative, pleomorphic rods or coccobacilli. It was positive for urease, oxidase, catalase, glycosidases, porphyrin, and indole, and it fermented glucose and sucrose. All of these characteristics suggest that the organism is a member of the genus Haemophilus. Because of its isolation from rabbits and differences in some characteristics from other species of this genus, the name Haemophilus paracuniculus is proposed for this organism.
Insights
A novel bacterium causing mucoid enteritis in rabbits was identified. This fastidious organism, named Haemophilus paracuniculus, requires specific growth factors and is distinct from other Haemophilus species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Rabbit Pathogen Identification
Background:
- Mucoid enteritis is a significant enteric disease in rabbits.
- The causative agent of mucoid enteritis in rabbits has not been definitively identified.
- Understanding the etiology of rabbit enteritis is crucial for animal health and welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, characterize, and identify the microorganism responsible for mucoid enteritis in rabbits.
- To determine the growth requirements and biochemical properties of the novel isolate.
- To propose a taxonomic classification for the identified bacterium.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the bacterium from the gastrointestinal tract of affected rabbits.
- Cultivation on specialized media, including media supplemented with growth factors like diphosphopyridin nucleotide (factor V) and beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
- Microscopic examination (Gram staining) and biochemical testing (urease, oxidase, catalase, glycosidases, porphyrin, indole, fermentation of glucose and sucrose).
Main Results:
- The isolated organism exhibited fastidious growth, requiring specific growth factors and growing in proximity to certain bacterial colonies.
- Microscopic examination revealed gram-negative, pleomorphic rods or coccobacilli.
- Biochemical tests indicated positive results for urease, oxidase, catalase, glycosidases, porphyrin, and indole, with fermentation of glucose and sucrose.
Conclusions:
- The characterized organism possesses characteristics consistent with the genus Haemophilus.
- Based on its unique growth requirements and isolation from rabbits, the name Haemophilus paracuniculus is proposed.
- This identification contributes to the understanding of rabbit enteric diseases and provides a basis for further research and diagnostics.