Clinical, Pathological, and Epizootiological Features of Long-Segmented Filamentous Organisms (Bacteria, LSFOs) in the Small Intestines of Chickens, Turkeys, and Quails

SUMMARY. Long-segmented filamentous organisms (LSFOs) are easily recognized grampositive bacteria that infect several species of animals. The present study describes the epizootiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of LSFOs in chicks, turkey poults, and quails in Georgia and California. LSFOs are most likely to be seen in young poultry that have gastrointestinal illnesses during winter. Concomitant infections with other bacteria and protozoans are common. Although inflammation and displacement of microvilli are characteristics of LSFO infections in these birds, LSFOs are not necessarily pathogens. They may be normal intestinal flora or commensal organisms that overgrow when certain unknown gastrointestinal conditions are correct or certain unknown events occur. RESUMEN. Caracteristicas clinicas, patologicas y epidemiologicas de microorganismos filamentosos y segmentados (bacterias) en el intestino delgado de pollos, pavos y codornices. Los microorganismos filamentosos y segmentados son bacterias gram positivas facilmente identificables que infectan diversas especies de animales. Este estudio describe las caracteristicas epidemiol6gicas, clinicas y patologicas de este tipo de microorganismos en pollos, pavitos y codornices en los estados de Georgia y California. Es mis facil observar los microorganismos filamentosos y segmentados en aves jovenes con enfermedades gastrointestinales durante el invierno. Son comunes las enfermedades concomitantes con otras bacterias