Isolation of Selenomonas spp. from lesions and non-digestive organs of cows, pigs and man.

Selenomonas spp. were isolated for the first time from lesions and non-digestive organs which were apparently normal in 2 cows, 6 pigs, and 1 human being. Identification as Selenomonas was based firstly on electron microscopical observation and secondly on fermentation products. They were divided into 3 major groups by biological properties, as well as by the patterns of these products. It has been confirmed that the habitats of organisms of the genus Selenomonas are generally digestive organs, including the rumen of the ruminant, the cecum of the guinea pig, and the oral cavity of man. The existence of these organisms in lesions and non-digestive organs in such animals and man, however, has been unknown as yet. Moreover, it has been completely unknown about the habitat of these organisms in swine. The findings obtained suggested the possibility of invasion of Selenomonas into other parts than the digestive organ in some animals and the presumable existence of the organism in the swine digestive organs. The role of Selenomonas as a secondary invader into some animals was proposed.