However, the entire colon and cecum may be involved, with crypt elongation, variable mucosal inflammation, crypt abscesses, occasional erosions and ulcers, and, with healing, goblet cell hyperplasia. Transient colonization of the mouse small intestinal mucosa, followed by colonization of the large bowel, is dependent on the presence of the chromosomal eae gene. Immunity appears to be humoral and may be directed at least partially toward intimin antigens. Reported effects on research are few, but they include acceleration of carcinogenesis by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Clostridium piliforme, formerly Bacillus piliformis , is the causative agent of Tyzzer's disease.
Prevalence remains high in laboratory rodent colonies.
Possible explanations for this include the moderately contagious nature of the organism and the wide range of susceptible and naturally infected host species. With this in mind, transmission is thought to be via ingestion of infectious endospores in contaminated food or bedding. Inadequate sterilization of feed or bedding components may facilitate the entry of the pathogen into an otherwise well-managed rodent colony. Most infections are subclinical. Various host and environmental stressors may precipitate clinical disease.