Brachyspira
Brachyspira is a genus of anaerobic, spiral-shaped bacteria in the family Brachyspiraceae, order Spirochaetales. Like other spirochetes, they possess periplasmic flagella (axial filaments) that give them a characteristic corkscrew motion. They are typically Gram-negative or Gram-variable and are adapted to colonize the lower digestive tract of vertebrates.
Species within the genus are found in the distal large intestine of various mammals and birds. The
Disease manifestations vary by species and host. B. hyodysenteriae typically induces mucohemorrhagic diarrhea, with poor weight
Diagnosis relies on culture under anaerobic conditions on enriched media, supplemented by molecular methods (PCR) or
Treatment and control strategies depend on the species and host. In pigs, pleuromutilin antibiotics such as