Trueperella pyogenes Periodontal Abscess in the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – First Isolation and Molecular Characterization. A Narrative Review of Bacterial Aetiology of Odontogenic Abscesses in Rabbits

Periodontal abscesses are a common health problem in rabbits, which can lead to severe complications of infection, including life-threatening conditions. Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic pathogen isolated from pyogenic infections in different animal species, most often ruminants and pigs. Here, we report the first case of isolation and molecular characterization of T. pyogenes from periodontal abscess in the rabbit. We also present a narrative review concerning the bacteriological aetiology of odontogenic abscesses in rabbits. The identification of T. pyogenes isolate was based on the phenotypic properties and confirmed by molecular biology methods, such as the presence of species-specific pyolysin gene and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Furthermore, six out of eight studied virulence genes were detected, confirming the pathogenic potential of the isolate. This report, as well as literature data, indicate that fastidious bacteria, including T. pyogenes, are one of the etiological factors of periodontal abscesses in rabbits. However, inappropriate laboratory procedures may lead to underestimation of their occurrence. Although periodontal abscesses are a common problem in rabbits, the limited literature data is based on different bacteriologic culture methods. This study showed the need for standardization of the laboratory methods, including extended microbial culture for the clinical samples from periodontal abscesses in rabbits. These procedures should also include the isolation of fastidious pathogens like T. pyogenes.