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Characteristics
Morphology
Curved or spiral shape, often with a fusiform appearance. It is distinguished by the presence of 9 to 11 periplasmic fibers on its surface, appearing as concentric helical ridges. These cells are motile, with bipolar tufts of 10 to 14 sheathed flagella. 
Disease

Inflammation and other issues in rodents, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract.
Zoonosis
Possible.
Health Hazards
Host Range
Rodents
Modes of Transmission
Fecal-oral route.
Signs and Symptoms 
In mice, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding from the stomach or duodenum.
Infectious Dose Unknown.
Incubation Period 
Unknown in host.
Medical Precautions/Treatment
Prophylaxis None.
Vaccines None.
Treatment
Amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracycline, clarithromycin. Omeprazole or bismuth subsalicylate to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.
Surveillance Monitor for symptoms.
MSU Requirements Report any exposures
Laboratory Hazards
Laboratory Acquired Infections (LAIs)
None reported.
 Sources
Cultures, frozen stocks, other samples described in IBC protocol.
Supplemental References
BMBL:
 https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html
NIH Guidelines:
Risk Group & Containment Requirements
Risk Group 2

Agents that are associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are often available.
BSL2
For all procedures involving suspected or known infectious specimen or cultures.
ABSL2
For all procedures involving infected animals
Spill Procedures
Small
Notify others working in the lab. Remove PPE and don new PPE. Cover area of the spill with absorbent material and add fresh 1:10 bleach:water. Allow 20 munutes (or as directed) of contact time. After 20 minutes, cleanup and dispose of materials.
Large
  • Immediately notify all personnel in the lab and clear all personnel from the area. Remove any contaminated PPE/clothing and leave the lab. 
  • Secure the area by locking doors, posting signage and guarding the area to keep people out of the space. 
For assistance, contact MSU's Biosafety Officer (406-994-6733) or Safety and Risk Management (406-994-2711).
Exposure Procedures
Mucous membrane
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 5 minutes at eyewash station.
Other Exposures
Wash area with soap and water for 5 minutes.
Reporting
Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete a First Report of Injury form, and submit to Safety and Risk Management.
Medical Follow-up
During business hours: Bridger Occupational Health 3406 Laramie Drive. Weekdays 8am -6pm.  Weekends 9am-5pm
After business hours: Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Emergency Room 915 Highland Blvd Bozeman, MT
Viability
Disinfection
Susceptible to 1:10 bleach:water; 70% ethanol
Inactivation
Inactivated by moist heat (60 minutes at 121oC) and dry heat (1 hour at 160-170oC), gamma irradiation.
Survival Outside Host
Limited survival outside the host.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum PPE Requirements
Lab coat, disposable gloves, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, long pants
Additional Precautions
 Additioanl PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs and IBC Protocol.