Cilia-associated Respiratory (CAR) Bacillus-like Organism (CLO) Identified in a Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi)
Cilia-associated respiratory bacillus-like organisms (CLO) are bacteria found intermixed among the cilia of epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract. They are considered moderate pathogens and have been reported in rodents, rabbits, ruminants, cats, and pigs. In this article, we describe respiratory disease associated with a Mycobacterium sp. and CLO in a banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi). The CLO were confirmed via Warthin-Starry silver stain and ultrastructure examination.Abstract
Photomicrograph of the bronchial granuloma composed of epithelioid macrophages protruding into the lumen. Hematoxylin and eosin, bar = 1 mm.
Photomicrograph of the bronchial ciliated epithelium. Note thickened cilia layer lining the respiratory epithelium which has a striated appearance. Hematoxylin and eosin, bar = 50 μm.
Photomicrograph of cilia lining respiratory tract stained by a Warthin-Starry silver stain. There are numerous silver-staining (black) long bacilli parallel to the cilia (arrows). Warthin-Starry, bar = 50 μm.
Transmission electron microscopy image of ciliated bronchial epithelial cells and multiple cross-sections of bacteria among the cilia (arrows). Lead citrate–uranyl acetate, bar = 500 nm. Inset: Higher magnification of a bacterium adjacent to cilia in longitudinal section showing the undulating, trilaminar cell membrane. Bar = 500 nm.
