Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale

Abstract

The bacterium O. rhinotracheale could only recently be related to respiratory infections in fowl. In these studies it could be proven that O. rhinotracheale in fact was the causitive agent of these infections and that viruses could work as aggravating agents for the disease. It also could be proven, biochemically and serologically, that O. rhinotracheale was a new species. An identification method was developed and 9 serotypes could be distinguished. Besides of the development of a specific PCR, investigation of the total DNA showed proof for the existence of subspecies within the species O. rhinotracheale. It could be proven that, besides horizontal transmission through aerosol, O. Rhinotracheale can be transmitted by eggs. This could be the explanation for the fast spreading of the disease because embryonated eggs are transported all over the world. The disease in broilers could be prevented by vaccination of their parents. Also live vaccination was proven to be feasible.