SEGMENTED FILAMENTOUS BACTERIA IN THE BOVINE SMALL-INTESTINE

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) were observed in a 28-day-old cal f, attached to the absorptive villi. Morphologically, they were simila r to SFB described in other animal species. Because these organisms ca nnot be cultured, further characterization was not possible. The organ isms were confined to the upper third of the absorptive villi and were not seen attached ro the follicle-associated epithelium of the Peyer' s patch, or observed in the caecum or colon. Although they were often associated with minor lesions, their pathological significance was dou btful. With this report, segmented filamentous bacteria have now been described in virtually all the commercially important livestock and po ultry species, in other domestic animals, and in man. (C) 1997 W.B. Sa unders Company Limited.