Humoral immune responses to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in sows and offspring following an outbreak of mycoplasmosis

Previously healthy sows, seropositive to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, developed clinical signs of mycoplasmosis, as well as increasing amounts of antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae during an outbreak of the disease in a herd. During the early phase of the outbreak, young piglets (2 weeks) with maternal antibodies remained healthy while older seronegative piglets (4–7 weeks) developed the disease. The duration of the maternal antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae varied between litters and was related to the amount of antibodies in the serum of the dam. In sows, the level of serum antibodies decreased continuously from 4 weeks ante partum to partus, and the level of antibodies in the whey of colostrum was comparable to that in serum 4 weeks ante partum. After loss of maternal antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae, seropositive animals were not found among piglets younger than 9 weeks. Therefore peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from various age categories of piglets in order to measure the ability to produce antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae in vitro. PBMC obtained from piglets aged 1 and 3 weeks produced few antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae. Significantly higher levels of antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae were produced by PBMC obtained from pigs aged 5–9 weeks. Thus, the ability of PBMC to produce antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae in vitro seemed to be age-dependent.     

Quantification of the spread of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in nursery pigs using transmission experiments

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) is present in almost all swine herds worldwide, but transmission of the pathogen through herds is not yet fully clarified. The aim of this study, performed in 2003, was to investigate and to quantify the transmission of M. hyopneumoniae under experimental conditions by means of an adjusted reproduction ratio (R_n). This R_n-value, calculated according to the final size method, expresses the mean number of secondary infections due to one typical infectious piglet during the nursery period. The period lasted from 4 to 10 weeks of age, corresponding with the nursery period used in most European production systems. Additionally, a comparison was made between transmissions of highly virulent and low virulent isolates.

Forty-eight weaned piglets, free of M. hyopneumoniae, were housed in six separate pens. During 6 weeks, two animals experimentally infected with M. hyopneumoniae were housed together with six susceptible piglets. At the end of the study, the number of contact-infected animals was determined by the use of nPCR on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The R_n-values of the highly virulent and the low virulent isolates were estimated to be 1.47 (0.68–5.38) and 0.85 (0.33–3.39), respectively. No significant difference between the groups was found (P = 0.53). The overall R_n was estimated to be 1.16 (0.94–4.08). Under the present experimental conditions, the transmission of M. hyopneumoniae, assessed for the first time by a reproduction ratio, shows that one piglet infected before weaning will infect on average one penmate during the nursery phase.     

Infectious and rearing-system related risk factors for chronic pleuritis in slaughter pigs

Chronic pleuritis (CP) in Danish pigs for slaughter is by far the most frequent finding at the routine post-mortem meat inspection. An initial investigation published in 1990 demonstrated infectious and management-related risk factors. Serological testing for additional infectious agents, as well as the need to consider the effect of disease clustering at the herd level, required a re-analysis of the data.

Our re-analysis used a representative sample of 4800 pigs originating from 623 Danish herds. Each pig was examined for the presence of CP and progressive atrophic rhinitis (PAR). The gender of the pig, the weight of the carcass, and the herd of origin were also recorded. Individual blood samples were examined for seropositivity for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (AP) serotypes 2, 6, 7, 12, Haemophilus parasuis, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MYC) and swine influenza (SI). Herd-level information retrieved through a questionnaire included health status, production type, herd size (i.e. pigs per year) and vaccination procedures.

Associations between CP and infectious, individual and herd-related factors were investigated by logistic regression with random effects. Among pigs from herds with conventional health status, seropositivity for AP serotypes 2 and 6, and MYC had odds ratios (ORs) of CP of 9.0, 1.6 and 1.8, respectively. Neither seropositivity for AP serotype 7 nor SI were associated with CP by themselves, but interacted: OR of CP of 5.3 (1.8) when present at the same time among pigs exhibiting (not exhibiting) PAR. An association of PAR with CP was found, and PAR interacted with AP serotype 7: OR=10.0 (4.3) when both factors were present among pigs exposed (non-exposed) to SI. The OR (0.97) for an increase of carcass weight by 1 kg was negligible.

In pigs from specific pathogen-free (SPF) herds, seropositivity for MYC and herd size were associated with CP. Moreover, for a herd size of 1000 pigs, CP was associated with exposure to MYC by an OR of 3.3 (decreasing to 1.9 when the herd size was increased by 1000). Farrow-to-finish as opposed to finishing herd had an OR of CP of 3.2.

In conventional herds, seropositivity for AP serotype 2 and MYC were associated with 51% and 29% of the occurrence of CP. In SPF herds, farrow-to-finish as opposed to finishing herds was associated with 47% of the occurrence of CP. Seropositivity for MYC was associated with 33% (39%) of the occurrence of CP in herds with a size > (≤) 1500 pigs.     

Protein variability among Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolates

Sodium-dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to study the protein variability of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolates. Fifty-six M. hyopneumoniae isolates from 6 different countries and 37 different herds were used. From eight herds, more than one isolate was available. All SDS-PAGE patterns of isolates originating from different herds were clearly divergent. Intra-species protein variability was quantified using the reference strain J and seven field strains all obtained from different herds and classified according to virulence. Between the field strains, a variability of 25% was found, while the culture-adapted strain J was clearly divergent and showed 30% variability with the field strains. No clustering according to virulence was obtained, but a protein band of about 181 kDa was present in the two highly virulent isolates whereas this protein band was absent in the moderately and low virulent isolates. Protein patterns of isolates derived from different animals from the same herd, were identical or differed in only a few protein bands. This study clearly indicates that, in agreement with previous studies on genomic diversity of M. hyopneumoniae isolates, proteomic variability within the species is high. Our study did not find clear evidence that more than one M. hyopneumoniae isolate circulates within a herd at a specific time point. The minor differences found between M. hyopneumoniae isolates from the same herd might reflect the organism's ability to alter its proteomic expression profile under field conditions.     

Management-related risk factors for M. paratuberculosis infection in Michigan, USA, dairy herds

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June through December 1996 to identify management-related risk factors for herd-level M. paratuberculosis infection. Data were collected from 121 participating herds. A two-part questionnaire was administered to gather data on current and previous management practices and herd productivity. A random sample of cows aged ≥24 months was selected from each herd and tested for antibodies to M. paratuberculosis using the IDEXX Antibody ELISA (sensitivity 64%, specificity 96%). A positive herd was one in which ≥2 animals tested positive for antibodies to M. paratuberculosis. A negative herd was one in which no animal tested positive. Herds in which only one animal tested positive were dropped from statistical analysis to reduce the risk of including false-positive herds in the statistical analyses.

There were 80 herds with one or more positive animals and 41 herds with no positive animals in the sample (66% herd-level prevalence). Twenty-six herds (21%) were dropped from further analyses because they had only one positive cow. Twelve herds (10%) were dropped from analysis because of missing data. The resulting sample used for statistical modeling included 46 positive herds and 37 negative herds (55% herd-level prevalence). A multi-variable logistic-regression model was used to evaluate the results. The variable ‘use of an exercise lot for lactating cows' was associated with a three-fold increase in odds of a herd being positive for M. paratuberculosis infection (O.R.=3.01, C.I.=1.03–8.80); ‘cleaning of maternity pens after each use' was associated with a three-fold reduction in odds of a herd being positive for M. paratuberculosis infection (O.R.=0.28, C.I.=0.08–0.89); ‘application of lime to pasture areas in 1993' resulted in a ten-fold decrease in odds of a herd being positive for M. paratuberculosis infection (O.R.=0.10, C.I.=0.02–0.56).     

Transmission of pathogenic respiratory bacteria to specific pathogen free pigs at slaughter

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transmission of pathogenic respiratory bacteria to thirteen 5-month-old specific pathogen free (SPF) pigs, during the slaughtering process in a commercial slaughterhouse. Before transportation, the SPF pigs and the lorry were checked to confirm the absence of pathogenic respiratory bacteria.

Nine SPF pigs (group 1) were in contact in a conventional slaughterhouse with finishing pigs, during 4 h before slaughtering. Four SPF pigs (group 2) were slaughtered immediately at arrival in the slaughterhouse.

Five bacterial pathogens (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis and Streptococcus suis) were detected by PCR, after slaughtering, from nasal cavities, tonsils and trachea in the two groups of pigs. Lung samples were PCR negative. Three and four bacterial species were isolated from the pigs of group 2 and group 1, respectively. Cultures were negative from the lungs.

All the bacterial species present in the SPF pigs were detected by PCR. P. multocida was isolated, from three samples of scalding water before the onset of slaughtering.

Our results suggest that the SPF pigs became contaminated mainly by the slaughterhouse environment and the scalding water. Histological examinations revealed that during scalding, contaminated water could reach the trachea and the lungs of pigs. Checks conducted at slaughter for respiratory disorders have to be carried on, but nasal cavities and tonsils are not appropriate for bacteriological investigations. Moreover, bacteriological results obtained from the lungs of slaughtered pigs have to be used with carefulness.     

A recombinant chimera composed of repeat region RR1 of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae adhesin with Pseudomonas exotoxin: in vivo evaluation of specific IgG response in mice and pigs

Using the binding and translocation domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A [domain III deleted PE termed PE(ΔIII)] as a vehicle, this study characterized and evaluated a novel application of PE toxin in Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae adhesin used as an immunogen. PCR and sequence analysis revealed that 16 copies of AAKPV(E) in tandem repeat region 1 (RR1) of M. hyopneumoniae 97 kDa adhesion were successfully fused to the downstream of PE(ΔIII) to create a subunit vaccine, i.e. PE(ΔIII)-RR1. This chimeric protein, over-expressed in inclusion bodies of E. coli BL21(DE3)pLysS, was characterized by a monoclonal antibody (MAb) F2G5 prepared against RR1 of the 97 kDa adhesin and was readily purified. The data indicated that the epitope recognized by MAb F2G5 was located in the structure of PE(ΔIII)-RR1. Using ELISA and Western blot analyses, the specific IgG immune response against RR1 and whole adhesin in mice immunized with PE(ΔIII)-RR1 was found more marked than that in mice immunized with the M. hyopneumoniae whole cells. Similarly, PE(ΔIII)-RR1 also stimulated a remarkable IgG response against RR1 in pigs compared to that in pigs immunized with the conventional M. hyopneumoniae vaccine. The PE(ΔIII)-RR1 would be potentially useful for the future development of a M. hyopneumoniae adhesin vaccine.     

The genetic organisation of the capsule biosynthesis region of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1, 6, 7, and 12

The aim of the present study was to investigate the organisation of the genes (cps) involved in biosynthesis the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 6, 7, and 12 and to compare these to the corresponding genes previously described in other A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes. In serotypes 6 and 7 the sequenced DNA regions comprised five and four open reading frames, respectively, designated cps6ABCDE and cps7ABCD, whereas the sequenced DNA region in serotype 12 comprised only two open reading frames designated cps12AB. At the amino acid level, CpsA, CpsB, and CpsC of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 2, 6, 7, and 8 contained a high degree of homology. At the amino acid level Cps6D revealed a high degree of homology to Cps8D, whereas Cps7D contained a high degree of homology to the Cps2D. The deduced gene product of the partially sequenced cps6E gene showed no homology to any deduced gene products of any cps genes of A. pleuropneumoniae investigated so far. None of the deduced gene products of the cps genes involved in encapsulation of A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes 2, 6, 7, and 8 revealed homology to the deduced gene products of the cps genes of serotypes 1, 5A, and 12. For some genes, a local homology was found to genes probably involved in teichoic acid synthesis in other bacteria. The results obtained revealed a high degree of homology among the genes involved in CPS biosynthesis for serotypes 2, 6, 7, and 8 and a different group of homologous cps genes for serotypes 1 and 12. In some serotype 7 strains, including the serotype 7 reference strain, WF83, the cps genes were not located adjacent to the genes responsible for CPS export (cpx), probably due to genetic rearrangements.     

1株多杀性巴氏杆菌的全基因组序列及致病相关基因分析

通过对多杀性巴氏杆菌(Pasteurella multocida)CS株全基因组的毒力基因分析,以期从基因组角度了解P. multocida CS的致病性机理。常规方法分离细菌,并进行毒力鉴定。基于二代测序平台对P. multocida CS进行测序,应用比较基因组学方法将其与GenBank中具全基因组来源于不同地域和宿主的P. multocida基因组进行比较分析。结果显示：猪肺疫病料中分离细菌滴鼻感染小鼠,测得其LD₅₀为5×10² CFU·mL^-1,显示较强毒性。将测序后的P.multocida CS株全基因组信息提交至NCBI,获得登录号SUB11119617。通过对P.multocida CS全基因组序列的分析表明,P.multocida CS株全基因组大小为2 599 048 bp,G+C含量为39.932%,编码CDs为2 580个,占整个基因组长度的69.6%,编码CDs的平均长度为952 bp。此外还有53个tRNA基因和3个rRNA基因。有87.95% 的编码CDs可进行COGs功能分类,29个为功能未知基因。利用RaAXML的最大释然法(maximum likelihood,ML)进行系统进化分析发现,P. multocida CS株与1个猪源性、2个牛源血清A型毒株,和1个猪源性D型毒株有较近的亲缘关系。P. multocida CS株含254个毒力相关基因,分为4大类11小类。其中铁摄取系统、黏附系统、分泌系统和双组分调控系统相关的多个基因在不同的毒株(包括血清型)的分布存在多态性。通过对基因出现频率的分析发现,铁摄取系统相关的tbpA和铁复合物外膜受体蛋白基因(iron complex outer membrane receptor protein gene,irp)以及黏附的相关的ppdD和ompA基因在血清A型出现的频率较高,这是否与不同菌株的毒力差异相关有待进一步证实。P. multocida CS的分泌系统由Ⅰ型(hly基因)、Tat型、Sec-SRP型3种类型组成。其中,hlyD基因在不同的血清型的分布频率存在多态性。P. multocida CS株的双组分信号转导系统(TCSs)由16个调节相关基因,12个感应相关基因和2个有hybrid相关基因。这些基因在不同血清型分布的多态性与不同菌株毒力的关系有待进一步研究。综上所述,组成铁摄取系统、黏附系统、分泌系统和双组分调控系统的基因在不同的血清以及同一血清型内出现频率存在多态性,它们与P. multocida菌株毒力强弱的关系有待进一步研究。     

Biochemical characterization of an antigenic saline extract of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 and identification of a serotype-specific antigen for ELISA serodiagnosis.

A saline extract of boiled-formalinized whole cells from a local strain (81–750; Quebec, Canada) of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, serotype 5b was used as an antigen in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serodiagnosis of swine pleuropneumonia. Characterization of this crude extract was done and proteins, neutral sugars, hexosamines, and 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate (KDO) were evaluated. On phenol extraction of the crude extract a serotype-specific antigen of polysaccharidic nature was recovered from the aqueous phase. This antigen was characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with Coomassie blue, silver and Schiff stainings. Immunoblots were done using sera of experimentally infected pigs that showed serotype specificity and cross-reactivity. Overall, the results indicate that the O-chain of lipopolysaccharides is a specific antigen that could be used in ELISA for the serodiagnosis of serotype 5 of A. pleuropneumoniae.     

Pathophysiological and immune cell responses in calves prior to and following lung challenge with formalin-killed Pasteurella multocida biotype A:3 and protection studies involving subsequent homologous live challenge

Pneumonic pasteurellosis is a common respiratory infection in cattle that has major economic and welfare implications world-wide and the incidence in the UK due to Pasteurella multocida, currently the same as that associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, is increasing. Whereas much is known regarding the pathogenesis of M. haemolytica infections little information is available on the pathogenic process of pasteurellosis initiated by P. multocida. In the present work calf systemic and innate immune responses to intratracheal challenge with formalin-killed P. multocida biotype A:3 and to subsequent experimental lung infection with live P. multocida were investigated. Eight-week-old calves were challenged intratracheally on day 0 with either 10⁹ colony forming units (cfu) of formalin-killed P. multocida biotype A:3 in 300 ml saline (n=10) or 300 ml saline alone (n=10), followed, at day 21, by challenge with 10⁹ cfu live P. multocida. Pathophysiological and lung phagocyte responses were assessed by clinical monitoring, sequential lung lavage and blood sampling. Results for samples obtained before, during and after challenge showed clinical and acute phase protein responses to both bacterial culture and saline control treatments, although higher responses were associated with bacterial challenge. Phagocytosis of P. multocida during 1 h incubation periods with lavaged cells in vitro was unaffected by exposure in vivo to killed P. multocida and there was evidence that P. multocida was able to survive intracellularly during this assay. There was no indication that lung exposure to formalin-killed P. multocida conferred protection against subsequent homologous live challenge.     

Seroepidemiologic study of natural transmission of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in a swine herd

A cohort of 57 pigs in a farrow-to-finish swine herd with mild clinical mycoplasmal disease was followed to determine patterns of seroconversion to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MH), detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Survival analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between time to seroconversion and possible risk factors for MH infection (or enzootic pneumonia).

Pigs were housed in outdoor pens at approximately 9 weeks of age, when passively acquired MH antibodies had decayed. From 9 to 11 weeks of age and during a 5 week period, pigs were exposed by direct (nose-to-nose) or indirect contact to older seropositive gilts. Blood samples were collected from each pig at 3 week intervals until market age, when they were either slaughtered or selected for breeding. Antibody concentration was measured as the ratio of optical densities of the serum sample to the positive control (S/P). Based on the sample distribution of S/P ratios from pigs in an MH-free herd, pigs were considered positive when S/P ratios were greater than 0.34. At the beginning of the study, all pigs were seronegative to MH. Seroconversion was first detected after 21 days, and was most frequent about 11 weeks after exposure to older seropositive gilts. By the end of the study, 11 pigs (19%) had seroconverted, with S/P ratios ranging from 0.40 to 1.11. The presence of gross lung lesions showed a moderate to good agreement with ELISA results (K = 0.62). Histologic lesions were evident in virtually all slaughtered pigs, ranging from mild, non MH-specific lesions to severe lesions typical of MH infection. No secondary respiratory pathogens were isolated. Clinical signs were mild and there was no significant difference (P > 0.4) in weight gain between seropositive and seronegative pigs, or between pigs with and without lung lesions. A Cox regression model was fitted to the seroconversion data, and opportunity of contact (direct or indirect) was the only significant variable. After adjustment for breed and antibody S/P ratio prior to exposure, pigs in direct contact with seropositive gilts were seven times more likely to seroconvert than those in only indirect contact.     

Factors affecting the risk of infection with pseudorabies virus in Illinois swine herds

A case-control study of pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection in Illinois swine herds was conducted to identity risk factors associated with PRV infection. Factors identified as being associated with increased risk of PRV infection included percentage of herd in total confinement (adjusted OR (aOR)=19.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.3–117.2) and having two or more PRV positive herds in the township (aOR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.0–10.2). A protective factor identified in the study included using one's own vehicle to transport pigs to market rather than hiring truckers (aOR=0.2, 95% CI: 0.07–0.6). A protective factor for producers who used their own vehicle for transporting pigs was cleaning the truck after off-site trips (aOR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.03–0.2). Management factors which can be most easily altered by producers who wish to prevent PRV infection in their herd include purchasing one's own vehicle for transport of pigs, and cleaning out this vehicle carefully after off-site visits. Total confinement herds and herds in areas where PRV is endemic appear to be at higher risk of becoming infected with PRV, and managers should be especially aware of herd security measures.     

牛源A型多杀性巴氏杆菌hyaD基因缺失株的构建及其在小鼠上的交叉保护性分析

hyaD为A型多杀性巴氏杆菌荚膜多糖合成相关基因,为探讨该基因对多杀性巴氏杆菌毒力及其免疫保护特性的影响,本研究利用同源重组方法,构建了牛源A型多杀性巴氏杆菌CQ2株（PmCQ2）的hyaD基因缺失株（ΔhyaD）。结果发现,与野生株相比,ΔhyaD的荚膜产生量及其感染后在脏器中的细菌定殖量均显著下降,其毒力显著降低。细胞试验发现,ΔhyaD更易黏附于巨噬细胞,被吞噬数量显著多于野生株,致使巨噬细胞相关炎性因子表达显著上调。hyaD基因的缺失,可调控与荚膜合成、LPS合成转运、铁转运等相关的基因表达显著下调,促使相关保护性抗原基因表达显著上调。以制备的PmCQ2株和ΔhyaD株灭活苗免疫小鼠（加强免疫1次）,免疫后第21天分别采用同源和异源多杀性巴氏杆菌攻毒,ΔhyaD株免疫小鼠肺组织感染后24 h无明显或轻微病理损伤,对牛源A型、B型和F型多杀性巴氏杆菌的免疫保护率分别为100%、100%和80%,对兔源、猪源和禽源A型多杀性巴氏杆菌的免疫保护率分别为90%、100%、100%;而野生株PmCQ2除对牛源A型多杀性巴氏杆菌的保护率在80%以上外,对牛源B型和F型及兔、猪、禽源A型多杀性巴氏杆菌均无明显交叉保护作用。研究结果表明,hyaD基因可通过调控荚膜产生及毒力相关因子表达影响菌株毒力;hyaD基因缺失可调控相关交叉保护性抗原表达,赋予菌株交叉免疫保护特性。该研究为多杀性巴氏杆菌通用型疫苗的研发提供了参考。     

Simulation model of within-herd transmission of bovine tuberculosis in Argentine dairy herds

Transmission of bovine tuberculosis was quantified in three dairy herds located in south Santa Fe Province, Argentina. Using estimates of Mycobacterium bovis transmission (β) and a Reed–Frost simulation model, the prevalence of tuberculosis infection in the study herds over time was investigated. The Reed–Frost model was modified by incorporating randomness in both β and the incubation period () of M. bovis. The mean estimated herd β was 2.2 infective contacts per year and did not differ significantly between the study herds. Modeling as Poisson distributed (mean 24 months) best fit the observed prevalences. Infection was predicted by the model either to spread quickly (<10 years) within a herd and reach a high prevalence (>50%), or to persist at a low prevalence (<5–10%). The model was robust, predictions were realistic and the mean β estimated was consistent with previous studies of bovine tuberculosis.     

Effect of pneumonia on growth rate and feed efficiency of minimal disease pigs exposed to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Pigs from a minimal disease herd were exposed to pneumonia through contact with pigs infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Growth rate, feed efficiency, extent of pneumonial lesions at necropsy and as determined radiographically, and clinical signs of appetite, coughing, sneezing, dyspnea and lethargy were recorded for each pig. Pneumonia occurred as an active, slowly progressive infection during the trial. Coughing was not a good indicator of severity of pneumonia. Increasing severity of pneumonia (measured radiographically or at slaughter) was negatively correlated with performance during the finishing period. Data from this trial support a model that had been developed to relate performance effect to severity of pneumonia.     

Herd prevalence of Salmonella enterica infections in Danish slaughter pigs determined by microbiological testing

As a part of a nationwide programme to survey and control salmonella in pig herds, a microbiological survey of 1363 pig herds was performed in Denmark. A total of 13 468 slaughter pigs were examined at slaughter by culture of 5 g of caecal contents. Overall, 30 different serotypes of Salmonella enterica were isolated from 832 pigs (6.2%). The predominant serotype was S. Typhimurium, comprising 536 (64.4%) of the isolates. Four hundred and forty-eight isolates of S. Typhimurium were examined by phage typing, resulting in detection of 17 different phage types (definitive types, DT) with DT12 being the most frequent (49.1%).

Salmonella enterica was found in 302 herds (22.2%), S. Typhimurium was found in 61.1% of these. 279 (23.1%) large herds (producing more than 2600 slaughter pigs per year) were found to be salmonella positive compared with 23 (14.7 %) small herds (annual production of 500 to 550 slaughter pigs). Practical constraints in the study design did not allow for a firm conclusion on the interplay among herd size, geographical location and occurrence of salmonella.

In 284 of 302 infected herds (94.0%) only one serotype was detected. Infections with two different serovars were seen in 18 herds (6.0%).     

Prevalence of intestinal pathogens in Danish finishing pig herds

Our aim was to determine the prevalence of the intestinal bacteria: Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Serpulina intermedia, Brachyspira innocens, Brachyspira pilosicoli, pathogenic Escherichia coli (serogroups O138, O139, O141 and O149) and Salmonella enterica in Danish finishing pig herds. A total of 79 herds was randomly selected and visited during 1998. From each herd, 20 faecal samples were collected from individual pigs weighing 30–50 kg. Furthermore, 10 pooled pen samples were collected and examined for S. enterica. In total, 1580 faecal samples and 790 pen samples were collected and examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture. L. intracellularis was found in 74 herds (93.7%), B. hyodysenteriae in two herds (2.5%), S. intermedia in 10 herds (12.7%), B. innocens in 27 herds (34.2%), B. pilosicoli in 15 herds (19.0%), pathogenic E. coli in 19 herds (24.1%) and S. enterica in eight herds (10.1%). The within-herd prevalences of L. intracellularis and B. hyodysenteriae were 25–30%; the within-herd prevalences of the other agents were 5–10%. Three herds (4%) were not infected with any of the bacteria and 25 herds (32%) were only infected with L. intracellularis.     

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serological surveillance of infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 in pig herds

An indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay for serological surveillance of infection of pigs with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (Ap) serotype 5 was developed. The antigen used was prepared from Ap serotype 5b strain L20. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis showed that the antigen contained high molecular weight lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and presumably also capsular polysaccharide (CP). The Ap serotype 5 ELISA was tested using sera from pigs experimentally infected with the 12 different Ap serotypes of biotype 1 and with sera from herds naturally infected with Ap serotypes 5, 6, 7 and 12. Cross-reactions were shown in one pig from a herd naturally infected with Ap serotype 7 and in one pig from a herd naturally infected with Ap serotype 12. The herd sensitivities of the Ap5 ELISA and a complement fixation test (CFT) were both estimated to 1.0, on the basis of serum samples from six herds naturally infected with Ap serotype 5. The herd specificities of both tests were estimated to 0.98, based on serum samples from 123 pig herds (10 samples from each herd) from the Danish specific pathogen-free (SPF) programme for pig production.     

A seroepidemiological survey of Leptospira bratislava infections in Danish sow herds

A total of 796 sows and gilts from 30 Danish sow herds were examined three times at intervals of 6 weeks for serum antibodies to Leptospira bratislava by the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) test. The prevalence of seroreactors with positive titer values, 1:100, at the three successive tests were 2.7%, 2.5% and 2.9%; 4.5% of the animals were positive in at least one of the three tests, and 2.2% showed a greater than two-fold rise in titer between two consecutive samplings. Of the 30 herds, 21 (70%) had ever-positive within-herd prevalences in sows and gilts of 4–13%. The risk of a herd having one or more positive sow was positively associated with a herd size of > 141 sows, and distinct regional differences in the prevalence of positive herds were observed. The reproductive performance of the 21 herds with seroreactions was poorer than the performance of the nine herds without positive reactions concerning the variables: ‘days from weaning to last service’ (2.7 days more, P = 0.07), ‘percentage of sows returning to heat’ (4.0 percentage units more, P = 0.03), ‘services per farrowing’ (0.04 more, P = 0.04), ‘farrowing percentage’ (4.3 percentage units lower, P = 0.06), and ‘stillborn pigs per farrowing’ (0.16 more, P = 0.02). No association between the MAT serological status of the herd and the incidence of medical treatments of sows and gilts could be found. A high prevalence and low cumulative incidence of seroreactors was demonstrated in first-parity gilts, followed by a low prevalence and cumulative incidence from parity 2 to 3, and a high prevalence and cumulative incidence at the fifth parity.