Tyzzer's Disease of Rabbits: Isolation and Propagation of Bacillus piliformis (Tyzzer) in Embryonated Eggs

Abstract

Bacillus piliformis (Tyzzer) was isolated from the liver of rabbits with Tyzzer's disease and serially passaged in embryonated hens' eggs. Weanling rabbits given the 32nd egg passage developed lesions typical of Tyzzer's disease and died. B. piliformis was reisolated from the liver of these rabbits in embryonated eggs. Outside the host cell, the motile vegetative phase appeared to be unstable, and no means was found to preserve its viability; the results of titrations were believed to be dependent upon the resistant stage or spore. The spore withstood repeated freeze and thaw and was resistant to heat treatment of 56 C for 1 hr but not 80 C for 0.5 hr. None of several antibacterial substances tested in embryonated eggs was completely inhibitory; B. piliformis was resistant to sulfamethazine and chloramphenicol. The taxonomic position of this pleomorphic, gram-negative, sporeforming, pathogenic bacterium which appears to grow only in certain cells of several species remains unresolved.

A Case Report of Tyzzer’s Disease in Two Kittens in Japan

“…But these cases resemble with few case reports that also did not find the involvement of the immunosuppressive factors or other concurrent diseases (Wilkie et al, 1985). Stress as a result of weaning, overcrowding, poor sanitation, shipping, irradiation, or corticosteroid administration often predisposes Tyzzer's disease (Ganaway et al, 1971). Both kittens were 2-3 months of age that is about the age of weaning.…”

Tyzzer's disease in a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Scotland

“…It is particularly common in animals that have received corticosteroids (Ganaway and others 1976, Marler and Cook 1976, Langan and others 2000). Outbreaks in rabbits and muskrats have also been linked to in‐feed sulphonamides (Ganaway and others 1971, Chalmers and MacNeill 1977). It is believed that factors such as these may either predispose animals to a primary infection or allow the reactivation of a latent infection (Karstad and others 1971, Chalmers and MacNeill 1977).…”

“…The vegetative form of C piliforme does not survive long outside the host and its principal mode of transmission is believed to be by the ingestion of spores. These are resistant to freezing and thawing, and contaminated environments may remain infective for years (Errington 1954, Ganaway and others 1971, Wobeser 2001). In experimental studies, the incubation period in small mammals ranged from two to 10 days (Ganaway and others 1971, Wobeser 2001).…”

“…These are resistant to freezing and thawing, and contaminated environments may remain infective for years (Errington 1954, Ganaway and others 1971, Wobeser 2001). In experimental studies, the incubation period in small mammals ranged from two to 10 days (Ganaway and others 1971, Wobeser 2001). However, not all animals infected with C piliforme become ill.…”