Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the genus Bordetella. It is commonly found in the respiratory tracts of various animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and pigs. B. bronchiseptica is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive and grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.
This bacterium is known for its ability to cause respiratory infections in animals, particularly dogs and cats. It is one of the primary agents responsible for kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects both dogs and cats in densely populated environments such as animal shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics.
Transmission of B. bronchiseptica typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals, or through inhalation of respiratory droplets that contain the bacterium. Symptoms of infection include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and fever. In severe cases, pneumonia may develop.
B. bronchiseptica is also capable of infecting humans, although this is relatively rare. In humans, it can cause respiratory tract infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying respiratory conditions.
In veterinary medicine, diagnosis of B. bronchiseptica infection is often based on clinical signs, as well as bacterial culture from respiratory samples. Treatment primarily involves the use of antibiotics, such as tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones.
Furthermore, B. bronchiseptica is an important organism in research and vaccine development, as it is commonly used in the study of respiratory diseases and as a model organism for other bacterial infections.
