Cilia-associated respiratory bacillus infection in rats in New Zealand

Authors: Kakrada MK, Collett MG, Lumsden JS, Lee EA
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 50, Issue 2, pp 81-82, Apr 2002
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Laboratory animal, Rat, Rodent, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, Pathology, Pneumonia/pleurisy, Disease/defect, Respiratory system, Infectious disease
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIMS: To demonstrate cilia-associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus associated with chronic pneumonia in wild and pet rats in New Zealand.
METHODS: A range of tissues from 4 rats were examined grossly and by light microscopy and affected lungs were examined by transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS: All 4 rats had moderate to severe cranioventral bronchopneumonia with bronchiectasis and large numbers of argentophilic bacteria resembling CAR bacillus, intimately associated with the bronchial epithelium.
CONCLUSIONS: CAR bacillus infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for pneumonia in rats in New Zealand.
KEY WORDS: Rat, cilia-associated respiratory bacillus, CAR, bronchopneumonia.

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