ABSTRACT

More than 30 species of Treponema have been described. None of these are of any importance in rodents; one species, T. paraluis cuniculi, the causative organism of rabbit syphilis, must be considered in rabbits. Clinical syphilis in rabbits is a painful condition primarily localized to/ around the genitals. Inflammation starts with development of edema in the vulva, vagina, or prepuce, which over some time develops into vesicles, which may turn into ulcers.1,2 In severe and more chronic cases, erosions may appear in the head region as well. In contrast to human syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum, rabbits do not suffer from generalized cases involving the central nervous system. Spread is primarily venereal; therefore, the prevalence is highest in breeding colonies, where latent carriers may be found.3 Infection with T. paraluis cuniculi may disturb the use of rabbits

12.1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 227 12.2 Treponema ................................................................................................ 227

12.2.1 Impact on the host .................................................................... 227 12.2.2 Characteristics of the agent ..................................................... 228

12.3 Brachyspira .............................................................................................. 229 12.4 Leptospira ................................................................................................ 229

12.4.1 Impact on the host .................................................................... 229 12.4.2 Characteristics of the agent ..................................................... 230

References ........................................................................................................ 231

in human syphilis research and diagnostic work. Today, most colonies of laboratory rabbits bred under acceptable hygienic conditions should be free of the organism, but in household rabbits, the disease may still be diagnosed.2 In a study, the mean age of onset was 8.8 months, and treatment with oral administration of chloramphenicol or long-acting penicillin by intramuscular injection seemed to be successful.2 The disease is likely to be maternally transmitted.2