Bordetella Species

• Small, Gram-negative rods (0.2-0.5 × 0.5-1.0 μm).

• Strict aerobes; derive energy from amino acids.

• B. avium and B. bronchiseptica are motile.

• Catalase-positive, oxidase-positive.

• Grow on MacConkey agar (B. bronchiseptica, B. avium).

Pathogenicity

• B. pertussis and B. parapertussis are human pathogens causing whooping cough.

• B. bronchiseptica causes respiratory infections in various animals.

• B. avium affects poultry, especially turkeys.

Natural Habitat and Transmission

• Primarily inhabit upper respiratory tract of mammals and birds.

• Transmitted via aerosols; indirect spread in turkeys can occur through water/litter.

Pathogenesis

• B. bronchiseptica adheres to respiratory epithelium, causing ciliary paralysis and inflammation.

• Virulent strains produce toxins affecting host immunity.

Laboratory Diagnosis

• Specimens: nasal swabs, tracheal washing.

• Direct microscopy yields limited utility due to size.

• Culture on selective media to inhibit contaminants.

Moraxella Species

• Short, plump, Gram-negative rods in pairs, strict aerobes.

• Grow on non-enriched media, optimal growth at 33-35°C.

Pathogenicity

• Major pathogen: M. bovis; causes infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

• Environmental factors predispose to disease.

Laboratory Diagnosis

• Specimens: lacrimal secretions, blood, swabs.

• Identification: typical colonial morphology, positive biochemical tests.

Glucose-Non-Fermenting, Gram-Negative Bacteria

• Include Pseudomonas, Bordetella, Moraxella, etc.

• Grow under aerobic conditions without fermenting glucose.

Spirochaetes

• Includes Treponema, Leptospira, and Borrelia.

• Treated as significant pathogens in animals and humans.

Laboratory Diagnosis and Identification for Various Bacteria

• Tests include dark-field microscopy, culture on specific media, and biochemical tests specific to each group.

• Advanced molecular methods utilized for identification (PCR, restriction endonuclease analysis).