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A new pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus type in commercial rabbits
L A Devriese1, W Hendrickx, C Godard
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gent, Belgium.
Summary
A unique Staphylococcus aureus strain caused significant losses in commercial rabbitries due to skin infections. This specific bacterial type is distinguished by its unique phage type, differentiating it from other known pathogenic strains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus infections pose a threat to rabbit health.
- Cutaneous infections can lead to substantial economic losses in commercial rabbitries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific Staphylococcus aureus type responsible for heavy losses in commercial rabbitries.
- To characterize the differentiating features of this pathogenic strain.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of infected rabbits.
- Phage typing of isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains.
- Comparison with known pathogenic rabbit and hare strains.
Main Results:
- A distinct Staphylococcus aureus type was identified as the cause of severe cutaneous infections.
- This identified strain exhibits a unique phage type.
- The novel strain differs from previously described pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in rabbits and hares.
Conclusions:
- A specific Staphylococcus aureus strain with a unique phage type is responsible for significant economic losses in commercial rabbitries due to cutaneous infections.
- This finding aids in understanding and managing Staphylococcus aureus-related diseases in rabbits.