The Pattern of Enteroviral Infections in a Herd of Swine

Twenty-six pigs from four litters in a healthy herd of swine were examined periodically for the fecal excretion of viruses by the use of porcine kidney cell cultures. Viruses were initially isolated from all pigs between 34 to 64 days of age. The pigs within each litter began shedding virus in their feces approximately at the same time, usually within one week, and the type of virus initially recovered was usually the same. Subsequently, waves of infection with different enteroviruses appeared to occur during the observation period of six months. At least six antigenically different viruses were isolated from this herd over a 26-month period. Most, if not all, of these viruses were considered to belong to the enterovirus group. No disease was associated with these enteroviral infections.

The colostrum and milk of sows contained significant amounts of enteroviral antibodies. Prior to nursing, the serum of new-born pig contained no enteroviral antibodies but, shortly after nursing, high titers of such antibodies were present in the serum. Antibodies were detected in the feces of suckling pigs.

     

Clinical and hematological findings on "Degnala", a disease of buffalo in Eastern Nepal

A buffalo disease, called "Degnala", causing lameness, edema, gangrenous ulceration of hooves or tail, emaciation, recumbency and eventual death, occurs in Eastern Nepal. Clinical examinations manifested lice eggs on hairs, bradycardia, hypothermia, dehydration, exanthema and icterus. Hematologically, increase of band neutrophil, giant platelet, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia were characteristics. Microscopically, dark blue tiny particles were seen on red blood cell (RBC) after Giemsa staining. Administration of tetracycline at an early stage of the disease was effective.     

Polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S-23S spacer region for rapid identification of Salmonella serovars

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the spacer regions between the 16S and 23S genes of rRNA genetic loci of Salmonella serovars for their rapid identification. These genetic loci revealed a significant level of polymorphism in length across the species/serovar lines. When the 16S-23S spacer region amplification products were subjected to agarose electrophoresis, the patterns observed could be used to distinguish all the serovars of Salmonella tested. Unique elements obtained in amplification products were mostly clustered at serovar level, although certain genus-specific patterns were also observed. On the basis of the results obtained, the amplification of 16S-23S ribosomal spacer region could suitably be used in a PCR-based identification method for Salmonella serovars.