Comparison of ocular microflora in New Zealand white, Angora and Dutch Rabbits

Subject Areas : Journal of Comparative Pathobiology

SM Rajaei, ¹ , سیامک Mashhadi Rafie, ² , مسعود Selk Ghaffari, ³ , M.N Masouleh, ⁴ , محمود Jamshidian, ⁵

1 - Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - گروه علوم درمانگاهی- دانشکده دامپزشکی دانشگاه ازاد اسلامی واحد علوم و تخقیقات تهران-ایران
3 - Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran
4 - Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
5 - Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2019-06-10 Accepted : 2019-06-10 Published : 2019-05-22

Keywords: Microbiology, Rabbit, New Zealand, Angora, Dutch,

Abstract :

One of the important ocular tests in case of ophthalmic infection and corneal ulcer is microbial culture. In the present study ocular microflora of Newzealand white, angora, and Dutch rabbits were evaluated. 96 rabbits from three different breeds (32 of each breed) were studied. All animals enrolled in the study after complete physical and ophthalmic examination. Ophthalmic examination was including slit lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, measurement of intraocular pressure, measurement of tear production, corneal dye with fluorescein. For microbiologic evaluation, sterile swabs were used for sampling from the cornea and lower conjunctival fornix. The culture was initiated immediately after sampling. After 48 hours of incubation, the growth of bacteria was observed, and then differential and biochemistry tests were performed. Results of microbiological culture revealed the difference in bacteria species, especially in gram-negative ones. More eyes with positive bacterial culture were observed in Dutch rabbits. No significant differences were reported in gram-positive bacteria population. Common isolated ocular microflora of rabbits is gram-positive. Clinical significant differences in isolated bacteria and species were observed.

References:

........

1. Abrams, K.L., Brooks, D.E., Funk, R.S., Theran, P.(1990): Evaluation of the Schirmer tear test in clinically normal rabbits. Am. J. Vet. Res. 51(12):1912-1913.


2. Adel, A. (2011): Two Dimensional Sonography Biometry Evaluation of Rabbits Eye. Glob. Vet. 6(3): 220-222.

3.Andrew, S. E., Nguyen, A. , Jones, G. L., Brooks, D. E. (2003), Seasonal effects on the aerobic bacterial and fungal conjunctival flora of normal thoroughbred brood mares in Florida. Vet. Ophthalmol. 6(1): 45-50

4. Biricik, H.S., Oguz, H., Sindak, N. (2005): Evaluation of the Schirmer and phenol red thread tests for measuring tear secretion in rabbits. Vet. Rec. 156(15): 485–487.


5. Bliss, C.D., Aquino, S., Woodhouse, S. 2015. Ocular findings and reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in the macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) and southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome). Vet. Ophthalmol.19( Suppl 1): 86-93.


6. Broadwater, J.J., Schorling, J.J., Herring, I.P., Pickett, J.P. (2007): Ophthalmic examination findings in adult pygmy goats (Capra hicus). Vet. Ophthalmol. 10(5): 269–273.

7.Cooper, S.C., McLellan, G.J., Rycroft, A.N. (2001): Conjunctival flora observed in 70 healthy domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Vet Rec. 149(8):232-5.

8. Gelatt, K.N., Gilgler, B.C., Kern, T.J. (2013): Veterinary Ophthalmology: Two Volume Set.5th edition. Wiley-Blackwell; Ames. P: 1680-1728.


9. Muller, K., Mauler, D.A., Eule, J.C. (2010): Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests and clinical characteristics of chinchilla eyes (Chinchilla lanigera). Vet. Ophthalmol. 13(Suppl). 29–34.

10.Oriá, A.P., Gomes Junior, D.C., Arraes, E.A., Estrela-Lima, A., Pinna, M.H., Meneses, D.S.I, Filho, E.F.M (2014): Tear production, intraocular pressure and conjunctival microbiota, cytology and histology of New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Pesq. Vet. Bras. 34(10): 1024-1028

11.Pereira, F.Q., Bercht, B.S., Soares, M.G., da Mota, M.G.B. and Pigatto, J.A.T. (2011): Comparison of a rebound and an applanation tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure in normal rabbits. Vet. Ophthalmol. 14(5): 321–326.

12.Pugliese, M., Spadola, F., Morici, M., Piazza, A., Caracappa, G., Persichetti, M.F., Lommi, A. (2016): Evaluation of the conjunctival bacterial flora in 140 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) farmed in Sicily Island. Slov. Vet. Res. 53(4): 205-210.

13.Rose, P. (2007): Management strategies for acute infective conjunctivitis in primary care: a systematic review. Expert. Opin. Pharmacother. 8(12):1903–1921.

14. Veshkini, A., Riyaziesfahani, M., Masoudifard, M., Vajhi, A., Kabir, F. (2008): Assessment of the Lens Anterior–Posterior Diameter as Compared with the Eye Globe by Ultrasonography in Rabbit. Iran. J. Vet. Surg. 3(1). 81-84.