Multifocal Granulomatous Jejunitis Associated with an Argyrophilic Gram-Positive Segmented Filamentous Bacterium in a Holstein Cow

SummaryMultifocal, raised, ulcerated firm nodules accompanied by an intussuscepted area were detected in the jejunum of an 8-year-old Holstein cow. The cut surfaces of the nodules were yellow–white. Microscopically, the lamina propria was expanded by an intense infiltration of epithelioid cells, multinucleate giant cells, macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils. Numerous bacteria were found within the granulomatous lesions. These were argyrophilic, gram-positive, periodic acid–Schiff-positive, segmented, rarely branched, elongate filamentous bacteria (2–28 μm in length, 0.2–0.35 μm in diameter). Ultrastructurally, a cell wall with an electron-transparent zone was detected. The present pathogen was clearly different from the argyrophilic, gram-negative, non-segmented, filamentous bacterium previously reported in a Holstein cow with jejunal granuloma. Comparative 16S rDNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that the organism was an unpublished species (GenBank accession number AB539875). This is the first report of bovine jejunal granuloma associated with an argyrophilic gram-positive segmented filamentous bacterium.