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Brachyspira spp. (Serpulina spp.) in birds: a review and results from a study of Swedish game birds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2007

Désirée S. Jansson ,
Caroline Bröjer ,
Dolores Gavier-Widén ,
Anders Gunnarsson  and
Claes Fellström
Désirée S. Jansson*
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
Caroline Bröjer
Affiliation:
Department of Wildlife Uppsala, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
Dolores Gavier-Widén
Affiliation:
Department of Wildlife Uppsala, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
Anders Gunnarsson
Affiliation:
Department of Bacteriology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
Claes Fellström
Affiliation:
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
*
*Department of Poultry, National Veterinary Institute, S751 89, Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: Desiree.S.Jansson@sva.se
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Abstract

Only limited data concerning the prevalence of intestinal spirochetes are available in game birds. This paper describes the prevalence and biochemical reactions of spirochetes isolated from 25 common partridges, 7 pheasants and 16 mallards originating from nine Swedish game-bird farms. The birds, which had been submitted for post-mortem examination due to various problems, showed a variety of underlying diseases. Additionally, fecal droppings from 22 common partridges, 20 pheasants and 20 mallards obtained at one of the farms were included in the study. Intestinal spirochetes were isolated from 85.4% of the game birds and from 71% of the fecal droppings. Seven biochemical types were identified. Seventeen per cent of all isolates were classified as Brachyspira pilosicoli and 3% as B. intermedia. One isolate showed strong -hemolysis and a positive indole reaction that is consistent with B. hyodysenteriae. In addition, three previously unknown biochemical types were found. Unclassified spirochetes in presumed mixed cultures were observed in 21% of all samples of fecal droppings. Histologic examination of spirochete-positive birds revealed numerous spirochetes in the lumen and crypts of the cecum, in some cases densely adhered by one end to the luminal surface. The significance of the findings is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Health Research Reviews , Volume 2 , Issue 1 , June 2001 , pp. 93 - 100
Copyright
Copyright © CAB International 2001

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