Canine intestinal spirochetes consist of Serpulina pilosicoli and a newly identified group provisionally designated "Serpulina canis" sp. nov.

ABSTRACT: The spirochetes inhabiting the large intestines of humans and animals consist of a diverse group of related organisms. Intestinal spirochetosis caused by Serpulina pilosicoli is a newly recognized enteric disease of human beings and animals with potential public health significance. The purpose of this study was to determine the species identity of canine intestinal spirochetes by comparing 30 isolates obtained from dogs in Australia (n = 25) and the United States (n = 5) with reference strains representing Serpulina species and Brachyspira aalborgi, by phenotypic and genetically based typing methods. All of the canine isolates were indole negative and produced a weak beta-hemolysis when cultured anaerobically on agar medium containing blood. Four isolates were identified as S. pilosicoli

SUBMITTER: Duhamel GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC105029 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature