Spirochaetes Infections in Domestic Animals and Wildlife

Dear Colleagues,

The order Spirochaetales contains bacteria with unique morphological and functional structures. Spirochaetes are spiral or helical bacteria, motile due to the presence of endoflagella. Although all these bacteria share a unique morphology, they deeply differ in epidemiological cycles, host range, pathogenesis, body localization and diseases. Five families and different genera belong to this order, containing some important animal and human disease agents. In particular, three genera contain pathogens of veterinary importance: Leptospira, Borrelia and Brachyspira. Leptospira is mainly transmitted via direct or indirect contact with the urine of infected animals. Many domestic or wild animals act as asymptomatic reservoir hosts able to maintain and shed leptospirae; other animals and humans could accidently acquire the infection and develop symptoms. Borrelia is an obligate parasite, transmitted by arthropod vectors with a broad range of susceptible hosts. Reptiles, birds and mammals are the natural reservoirs of the different species belonging to this genus. Farm animals, pets and humans could be infected and develop clinical diseases. Brachyspira is the less-studied genus, and its zoonotic potential is still controversial. These bacteria, with a fecal–oral route, are inhabitants of the intestines of different animals, in particular pigs and birds, and sometime the infection could evolve into clinical symptoms.

The aim of this Special Issue is to cover all aspects concerning spirochaetes in veterinary sciences. Basic sciences studies, in vitro experiments, epidemiological investigations, surveillance programs and clinical and pathological reports about spirochaetes in domestic and wild animals will be considered. Studies on Spirochaetales other than Leptospira, Borrelia and Brachyspira will also be taken into account. Research manuscripts, reviews and case reports are all accepted.

Dr. Fabrizio Bertelloni
Guest Editor

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• spirochaetes
• Leptospira
• Borrelia
• Brachyspira
• Treponema
• domestic animal
• wildlife
• ecosystem
• zoonosis