ARS | Publication request: HOST-ASSOCIATION TRAITS OF INTESTINAL SPIROCHAETES (2003 INTESTINAL SPIROCHETE CONFERENCE, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 6, 2003
Publication Date: April 6, 2003
Citation: STANTON, T.B. HOST-ASSOCIATION TRAITS OF INTESTINAL SPIROCHAETES. 2003 INTESTINAL SPIROCHETE CONFERENCE. 2003. ABSTRACT P. 10.

Technical Abstract: Similar to other host-associated bacteria, intestinal spirochaetes possess traits essential for their host-adapted lifestyle. These host association traits (HATs) enable spirochaete cells to colonize a host and, in the case of pathogenic species, to inflict damage on host tissues. Various properties of intestinal spirochaetes have been implicated as HATs. Unfortunately, only a few of these traits have been confirmed to be important in interactions of the spirochaete with its natural animal host. These belong to B. hyodysenteriae. Progress in B. hyodysenteriae HAT identification has resulted from reliable experimental animal models, the availability of isogenic strains, and the development of genetic, cultural, immunological, and biochemical techniques. Further investigations are needed to develop additional research tools for Brachyspira species and to identify and confirm new host-association traits. The identification of Brachyspira HATs provides the basis for 'educated' efforts to prevent colonisation and to control intestinal spirochete disease.