Dichelobacter nodosus

Dichelobacter nodosus, formerly Bacteroides nodosus, is a Gram-negative, obligate anaerobe of the family Cardiobacteriaceae. It has polar fimbriae and is the causative agent of ovine foot rot as well as interdigital dermatitis. It is the lone species in the genus Dichelobacter.

Dichelobacter nodosus, formerly Bacteroides nodosus, is a gram negative, rod shaped, obligate anaerobe of the family Cardiobacteriaceae. It has polar fimbriae epitomes that separate the bacteria into multiple serogroups.

D. nodosus, along with Fusobacterium necrophorum, co-exist as the causative agents of ovine foot rot and interdigital dermatitis in ungulates globally, especially in temperate zones. Clinical signs can vary into two categories; virulent and benign, with the distinction between the two varying dependent on location.

Treatment options include footbaths, parenteral administration of long-acting antimicrobials, concurrent use of vaccines, and removal of affected sheep into a clean, quarantined area. Environmental management and treatment of infected is required to prevent further bacterial spread.