Clinical, pathological, and epizootiological features of long-segmented filamentous organisms (bacteria, LSFOs) in the small intestines of chickens, turkeys, and quails.

Long-segmented filamentous organisms (LSFOs) are easily recognized gram-positive 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.