Presence of Clostridium piliforme in Rats from Laboratory Animal Facilities in the Aegean Region of Türkiye

Authors : Çağatay Nuhay, Ömer Faruk Gökcecik, Necdet İlker İçil

Pages : 73-77

Doi:10.53913/aduveterinary.1809206

View : 52 | Download : 121

Publication Date : 2025-12-25

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The health status of laboratory animals is essential for both research reliability and animal welfare. Clostridium piliforme, the causative agent of Tyzzer’s disease, is an obligate intracellular and spore-forming bacterium. While it may cause high mortality in immunocompromised animals, the infection often remains subclinical and can persist in colonies for long periods. Such latent infections may compromise experimental outcomes, making regular health monitoring highly important. This study aimed to investigate the presence and prevalence of C. piliforme in rats from licensed laboratory animal facilities in the Aegean Region of Türkiye. A total of 80 fecal samples, 10 from each of eight facilities, were collected. DNA was extracted using a commercial kit and analyzed by conventional PCR with species-specific primers. Of the 80 samples, four (5.0%) were positive, all originating from a single facility (40.0%, 4/10). The Wilson score method estimated a 95% confidence interval of 1.6–12.3, and Fisher’s Exact Test indicated a statistically significant difference among facilities (p<0.001).These findings represent the first report of C. piliforme in rats from the Aegean Region and the second in Türkiye. The prevalence was lower compared to national and international reports, likely due to methodological differences and facility conditions. The study emphasizes the potential risk of subclinical C. piliforme infections for research validity and highlights the necessity of including this pathogen in FELASA recommended routine health monitoring programs.
Keywords : Clostridium piliforme, conventional PCR, laboratory animals, rat, Tyzzer’s disease

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