Detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and influenza A virus (IAV) in oral fluid of pigs

Meat Juice and Oral Fluid as Alternatives to Serum for Aujeszky Disease Monitoring in Pigs

Aujeszky Disease Virus (ADV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with a lipoprotein envelope. The natural hosts of the infection are Suidae, but the virus can infect many other mammals. The gold-standard method identified by the WOAH for the diagnosis of Aujeszky disease is the ELISA method. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of meat juice and oral fluid matrices using a commercial ELISA kit designed for serum. A total of 80 blood and oral fluid samples were collected from four pig farms selected for this study. Diaphragm muscle samples of about 100 g and blood samples were collected from 213 animals at the abattoir. These biological matrices were collected from the same animals and tested using a competitive ELISA kit to detect antibodies against ADV. The relative accuracy of the meat juice compared to that of the serum was 96.7% (95% CI: 93.3-98.7%), with 206 correct results out of 213. The relative accuracy of the oral fluid compared to that of the serum was 61.3% (95% CI: 49.7-71.9%), with 58 correct results out of 80. Meat juice has a better combination of sensitivity and specificity than oral fluid. The usage of meat juice in routine diagnostic examinations could be achieved after further investigations to optimize the procedure.

Successful Whole Genome Nanopore Sequencing of Swine Influenza A Virus (swIAV) Directly from Oral Fluids Collected in Polish Pig Herds

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus and a common cause of seasonal flu in humans. Its genome comprises eight RNA segments that facilitate reassortment, resulting in a great variety of IAV strains. To study these processes, the genetic code of each segment should be unraveled. Fortunately, new third-generation sequencing approaches allow for cost-efficient sequencing of IAV segments. Sequencing success depends on various factors, including proper sample storage and processing. Hence, this work focused on the effect of storage of oral fluids and swIAV sequencing. Oral fluids (n = 13) from 2017 were stored at -22 °C and later transferred to -80 °C. Other samples (n = 21) were immediately stored at -80 °C. A reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) pre- and post-storage was conducted to assess IAV viral loads. Next, samples were subjected to two IAV long-read nanopore sequencing methods to evaluate success in this complex matrix. A significant storage-associated loss of swIAV loads was observed. Still, a total of 17 complete and 6 near-complete Polish swIAV genomes were obtained. Genotype T, (H1avN2, seven herds), P (H1N1pdm09, two herds), U (H1avN1, three herds), and A (H1avN1, 1 herd) were circulated on Polish farms. In conclusion, oral fluids can be used for long-read swIAV sequencing when considering appropriate storage and segment amplification protocols, which allows us to monitor swIAV in an animal-friendly and cost-efficient manner.

Explorative Field Study on the Use of Oral Fluids for the Surveillance of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Infections in Fattening Farms by an Apx-Real-Time PCR

Simple Summary

Oral fluid sampling (OFS) is an animal friendly and easy way for surveillance purposes in domestic swine populations, especially concerning respiratory diseases. In case of Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae surveillance, measures are usually combined with burdensome sampling for animals and humans. In the present study, we evaluated the suitability of oral fluids (OFs) for surveillance purposes of A. pleuropneumoniae infections in fattening pigs using an Apx-toxin real-time PCR. We were able to demonstrate that the examination of OFs by an Apx-toxin real-time PCR is suitable for A. pleuropneumoniae surveillance in the field in an animal friendly and easy way. These results might contribute to an increased compliance of laboratory diagnostic measures on pig farms and thereby to increased animal welfare due to less burdensome sampling and improved animal health.

Abstract

Oral fluids (OFs) represent a cost effective and reliable tool for surveillance purposes, mostly regarding viruses. In the present study, we evaluated the suitability of OFs for surveillance purposes concerning Actinobacillus (A.) pleuropneumoniae infections in fattening pigs under field conditions. OFs were examined with an Apx-toxin real-time PCR that detects the genes encoding for Apx I-, Apx III-, and Apx IV-toxin. For this purpose, we conducted a pen-wise collection of OFs over one fattening period from fattening pigs of two farms (farm A and B) with a known history of A. pleuropneumoniae infection. Lung lesions were determined at slaughter to estimate the extend of pulmonary lesions and pleural affection. Apx III- and Apx IV-toxin DNA were present in the OFs of both farms whereas Apx I-toxin DNA was present on farm A only. We were able to detect Apx I-, Apx III-, and Apx IV-toxin DNA in different patterns directly after introduction of the new pigs in the farms and over the entire study period. In summary, or results indicate the suitability of OFS for the early detection and surveillance of A. pleuropneumoniae in fattening farms.

Detection of Multiple Lineages of PRRSV in Breeding and Growing Swine Farms

The detection and co-circulation of multiple variants of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) have been observed and reported in swine. However, the potential long-term impact of multiple prevailing PRRSV variants on pig-performance is not yet fully understood. The primary objective of this study was to describe the genetic variation of PRRSV in processing fluid (PF), oral fluid (OF), and tonsil scraping (TS) specimens from five swine farms with different production types and PRRS status over a period of time (~1 year). Furthermore, the association between PRRSV prevalence and production parameters was investigated. Results showed that PRRSV was detected by RT-qPCR in 21–25% of all types of specimens. In breeding farms, PRRSV detection in PF and/or TS samples was correlated with stillborn and mummified fetuses, and pre-weaning mortality throughout the study period. Although ORF5 sequences were obtained in <16% of all sample types, simultaneous detection of PRRSV variants including field and vaccine strains within a single sampling event was identified in both breeding and growing pig farms. Phylogenetic analyses based on the ORF5 sequence classified the detected field PRRSV into L1A and L1H, two sub-lineages of lineage 1 (L1). Our study demonstrated the presence of multiple PRRSV lineages, sub-lineages, and variants in swine herds and its potential association with swine reproductive performance under field conditions.

Finding PRRSV in sow herds: Family oral fluids vs. serum samples from due-to-wean pigs

The aim of this study was to compare the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in due-to-wean litters in commercial swine breeding herds using family oral fluids (FOF) vs. individual piglet serum samples. FOF and piglet serum samples were collected in 199 due-to-wean litters on six farms containing 2177 piglets. All samples were individually tested for PRRSV RNA by RT-rtPCR. A litter was considered PRRSV-positive when PRRSV RNA was detected in ≥ 1 piglet serum sample or the FOF sample. Mixed effect logistic regression with farm as a random effect was used 1) to evaluate the probability of obtaining a PRRSV RNA positive FOF as a function of the proportion of viremic piglets in a litter and 2) the effect of litter size and parity on the probability that a litter would test PRRSV RNA positive in FOF. A Bayesian prevalence estimation under misclassification (BayesPEM) analysis was used to calculate the PRRSV prevalence and 95 % credible interval given the condition that all samples (FOF and serum) tested negative. In total, 34 of 199 litters (17.1 %) contained ≥ 1 viremic piglet(s), and 28 of 199 litters (14.1 %) were FOF positive. When all piglet serum samples within a litter tested negative, 1 of 165 FOF (0.6 %) tested PRRSV RNA positive. The probability of a PCR-positive FOF sample from litters with 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 % within-litter PRRSV prevalence was 3.5 %, 35.1 %, 88.8 %, 99.2 %, and >99.9 %, respectively. The odds of a PCR-positive FOF in a first parity litter were 3.36 times (95 % CI: 2.10-5.38) that of a parity ≥ 2 litter. The odds of a positive FOF result in a litter with ≤ 11 piglets were 9.90 times (95 % CI: 4.62-21.22) that of a litter with > 11 piglets. FOF was shown to be an efficacious sample type for PRRSV detection in farrowing rooms. A risk-based approach for litter selection combined with FOF collection can be used to improve on-farm PRRSV detection with a limited sample size, compared to sampling multiple individual pigs. Finally, the BayesPEM analysis showed that PRRSV may still be present in breeding herds when all samples (serum and FOF) test PRRSV RNA negative, i.e., negative surveillance results should be interpreted with caution.

[The porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) - a clinical review]

The porcine respiratory disease complex describes a clinical condition that often manifests as treatment-resistant respiratory disease of growing to finishing pigs. Its multifactorial etiology includes infectious and non-infectious factors. Besides management and hygiene conditions, particularly viral and bacterial pathogens contribute to the development and course of PRDC. The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), influenza A virus (IAV) and Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneunoniae are considered as the major pathogens involved in PRDC. The clinical outcome and necropsy findings may differ depending on the involvement of the different pathogens. The complex nature of the PRDC impedes the diagnostic and preventive measures on affected farms. The present review provides insight into the pathomorphology, pathogenesis and inter-pathogen-interactions and aims to support practitioners in implementing purposeful diagnostic and preventive measures.

Noninvasive strategies for surveillance of swine viral diseases: a review

In view of the intensive development of the swine industry, monitoring and surveillance of infectious diseases require low-cost, effective, and representative population sampling methods. We present herein the state of knowledge, to date, in the use of alternative strategies in the monitoring of swine health. Blood sampling, the most commonly used method in veterinary medicine to obtain samples for monitoring swine health, is labor-intensive and expensive, which has resulted in a search for alternative sampling strategies. Oral fluid (OF) is a good alternative to serum for pooled sample analysis, especially for low-prevalence pathogens. Detection of viral nucleic acids or antiviral antibodies in OF is used to detect numerous viruses in the swine population. Meat juice is used as an alternative to serum in serologic testing. Processing fluid obtained during processing of piglets (castration and tail-docking) may also be used to detect viruses. These matrices are simple, safe, cost-effective, and allow testing of many individuals at the same time. The latest methods, such as snout swabs and udder skin wipes, are also promising. These alternative samples are easy to acquire, and do not affect animal welfare negatively.

Epidemiology investigation of PRRSV discharged by faecal and genetic variation of ORF5

To obtain more information of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) transmission via faeces in/between farms, 360 swine faecal samples were randomly collected from different farms in China from 2017 to 2019. Sixty-two ORF5 genes were amplified by PCR from 120 positive samples identified by real-time RT-PCR and further characterized by sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ORF5 gene revealed that these strains can be divided into four lineages: lineage 1 (NADC30-like), lineage 3 (QYYZ-like), lineage 5.1 (VR2332-like) and lineage 8.7 (JXA1-like), with 62.9% (39/62) NADC30-like virus, 21% (13/62) QYYZ-like virus, 1.6% (1/62) VR2332-like virus and 14.5% (9/62) for JAX1-like virus. In particular, 14 PRRSVs including lineage 1, 5.1 and 8.7 can be isolated from 120 positive faecal samples, which further suggests that faecal transmission may be an important factor in the spread of PRRSV in farms. Full-length genome sequencing analysis showed that 14 isolates share 83.1%-97.7% homology with each other and 82.3%-96.1% identity with NADC30, 83.2%-99.7% with VR2332, 79.6%-87.2% with QYYZ and 82.6%-98.9% with JXA1 and CH-1a, and only 60.1%-60.7% with LV. Recombination events were observed in the six out of 14 strains. Collectively, the data of this study are useful for understanding the spread of PRRSV via faeces. Additionally, the virus was isolated from positive faecal samples, suggesting that faecal transmission may be an important factor in the spread of PRRSV in farms.

Development and optimization of a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay

Accurate and sensitive quantification of rebound competent HIV that persists despite combination antiretroviral treatment (cART), including in latently infected cells (i.e., viral reservoir), is critical for evaluating cure strategies for decreasing or eliminating this reservoir. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected Rhesus macaques are an important non-human primate (NHP) system for studying potential cure strategies as they model many key aspects of human HIV-infection including the persistence of a latent viral reservoir in resting memory CD4+ T cells in animals receiving prolonged cART. In this report, we describe the design and testing of a sensitive SIV droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay through exploring the combination and optimization of different probe systems (including single, double quencher probes and minor groove binder (MGB) probes) and reaction conditions to eliminate background signal(s), ensure distinct target signal cluster separation from non-target signals, and enable detection and quantification of low level authentic target signals. Similar reaction conditions and assay validation procedures can be explored for potential development of additional assays for other applications that require sensitive detection of low-level targets in a large background of nucleic acid input derived from cell or tissue sources.

Wide Range of the Prevalence and Viral Loads of Porcine Circovirus Type 3 (PCV3) in Different Clinical Materials from 21 Polish Pig Farms

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) was described in different clinical cases and healthy pigs. However, little is known about its circulation in pig farms. In order to assess PCV3 prevalence in 21 Polish farms, serum, feces, and oral fluid samples were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. In total, 1451 pairs of serum and feces from the same animals, as well as 327 samples of oral fluids were analyzed. The results showed that PCV3 is more commonly detected in oral fluids (37.3% positives) than in serum (9.7% positives) or feces (15.0% positives) samples. The viral loads detected in these materials ranged from 10^2.5–10^7.2 genome equivalent copies/mL. Although in most farms PCV3 was detected post weaning, in nine farms, the virus was also found in groups of suckling piglets, and in six of them viremia was detected. In four farms with reproductive failure, fetal materials were also obtained. PCV3 was detected in 36.0% of fetuses or stillborn piglets (9/25) with viral loads of 10^3.1–10^10.4 genome equivalent copies/mL. In summary, the virus circulation may show different patterns, and congenital or early infection is not uncommon. Precise quantification of PCV3 loads in clinical materials seems to be necessary for the study and diagnosis of the infection.

A Systematic Review Analyzing the Prevalence and Circulation of Influenza Viruses in Swine Population Worldwide

The global anxiety and a significant threat to public health due to the current COVID-19 pandemic reiterate the need for active surveillance for the zoonotic virus diseases of pandemic potential. Influenza virus due to its wide host range and zoonotic potential poses such a significant threat to public health. Swine serve as a “mixing vessel” for influenza virus reassortment and evolution which as a result may facilitate the emergence of new strains or subtypes of zoonotic potential. In this context, the currently available scientific data hold a high significance to unravel influenza virus epidemiology and evolution. With this objective, the current systematic review summarizes the original research articles and case reports of all the four types of influenza viruses reported in swine populations worldwide. A total of 281 articles were found eligible through screening of PubMed and Google Scholar databases and hence were included in this systematic review. The highest number of research articles (n = 107) were reported from Asia, followed by Americas (n = 97), Europe (n = 55), Africa (n = 18), and Australia (n = 4). The H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses were the most common influenza A virus subtypes reported in swine in most countries across the globe, however, few strains of influenza B, C, and D viruses were also reported in certain countries. Multiple reports of the avian influenza virus strains documented in the last two decades in swine in China, the United States, Canada, South Korea, Nigeria, and Egypt provided the evidence of interspecies transmission of influenza viruses from birds to swine. Inter-species transmission of equine influenza virus H3N8 from horse to swine in China expanded the genetic diversity of swine influenza viruses. Additionally, numerous reports of the double and triple-reassortant strains which emerged due to reassortments among avian, human, and swine strains within swine further increased the genetic diversity of swine influenza viruses. These findings are alarming hence active surveillance should be in place to prevent future influenza pandemics.

Transmission of influenza A virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus using a novel nurse sow model: a proof of concept

The mechanisms of transmission of influenza A virus (IAV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in pigs during the pre-weaning period are not fully elucidated. Since viable IAV and PRRSV can be found on the udder skin of lactating sows and the use of nurse sows is a common management practice, we developed a novel nurse sow model to evaluate the transmission of IAV and PRRSV from lactating sows to their adopted piglets. In two studies, we infected pigs with either IAV or PRRSV who then contaminated the udder skin of lactating dams with their nasal and oral secretions while suckling. Once the skin was confirmed virus positive for IAV and PRRSV, the sows were moved to separate empty clean rooms to adopt IAV and PRRSV negative suckling piglets. After adoption, 1 out of eight (12.5%) piglets tested IAV positive 1-day post-adoption (dpa) and the entire litter (8 out of 8) became positive by 4 dpa. In the case of PRRSV, 3 out of 11 (27.3%) pigs tested rRT-PCR positive 2 dpa and there were 7 out of 11 (63.6%) pigs positive at the termination of the study at 7 dpa. This study documented the transmission of IAV and PRRSV between litters of piglets by nurse sows and highlights the importance of the nurse sow-piglet as a unit that contributes to the maintenance of endemic infections in breeding herds. The use of nurse sows in pig farms, though beneficial for minimizing pre-weaning mortality and maximizing farm productivity, is seemingly detrimental as this practice may facilitate the transmission of IAV and PRRSV to piglets prior to weaning.

Collecting oral fluid samples from due-to-wean litters

Oral fluids are a common diagnostic sample in group-housed nursery, grow-finish, and adult swine. Although oral fluids from due-to-wean litters could be a valuable tool in monitoring pathogens and predicting the health status of pig populations post-weaning, it is generally not done because of inconsistent success in sample collection. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum procedure for collecting oral fluid samples from due-to-wean litters. Successful collection of oral fluids from due-to-wean litters using "Litter Oral Fluid" (LOF) or "Family Oral Fluid" (FOF) sampling techniques were compared in 4 phases involving 920 attempts to collect oral fluids. Phase 1 testing showed that prior exposure to a rope improved the success rates of both LOF (33.4%) and FOF (16.4%) techniques. Phase 2 determined that longer access to the rope (4 h vs 30 min) did not improve the success rate for either LOF or FOF. Phase 3 evaluated the effect of attractants and found that one (Baby Pig Restart®) improved the success rate when used with the FOF technique. Phase 4 compared the success rates of "optimized LOF" (litters previously trained) vs "optimized FOF" (litter previously trained and rope treated with Baby Pig Restart®) vs standard FOF. No difference was found between the FOF-based techniques, but both were superior to the "optimized LOF" technique. Thus, FOF-based procedures provided a significantly higher probability of collecting oral fluids from due-to-wean litters (mean success rate 84.9%, range 70% to 92%) when compared to LOF-based methods (mean success rate 24.1%, range 16.5% to 32.2%).

Assessment of abattoir based monitoring of PRRSV using oral fluids

Various porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) regional elimination projects have been implemented in the U.S., but none have yet succeeded. In part, this reflects the need for efficient methods to monitor over time the progress of PRRSV status of participating herds. This study assessed the feasibility of monitoring PRRSV using oral fluids collected at the abattoir. A total of 36 pig lots were included in the study. On-farm oral fluid (n = 10) and serum (n = 10) collected within two days of shipment to the abattoir were used to establish the reference PRRSV status of the population. Oral fluids (n = 3 per lot) were successfully collected from 32 lots (89%) at the lairage. Three veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) tested the sera (VDL1 and VDL3: n = 316, VDL2: n = 315) and oral fluids (VDL1 and VDL3: n = 319, VDL2: n = 320) for PRRSV antibodies (ELISA) and RNA (rRT-PCR). Environmental samples (n = 64, 32 before and 32 after pigs were placed in lairage) were tested for PRRSV RNA at one VDL. All oral fluids (farm and abattoir) tested positive for PRRSV antibody at all VDLs. PRRSV positivity frequency on serum ranged from 92.4% to 94.6% among VDLs, with an overall agreement of 97.6%. RNA was detected on 1.3% to 1.9%, 8.1% to 17.7%, and 8.3% to 17.7% of sera, on-farm and abattoir oral fluids, respectively. Between-VDLs rRT-PCR agreement on sera and oral fluids (farm and abattoir) ranged from 97.8% to 99.0%, and 79.0% to 81.2%, respectively. Between-locations agreement of oral fluids varied from 31.3% to 50% depending on the VDL. This study reported the application of swine oral fluids collected at the abattoir for monitoring PRRSV, and describes the between-VDL agreement for PRRS testing of serum and oral fluid field samples.

Effect of chemical clarification of oral fluids on the detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus IgG

Routine collection and testing of oral fluid (OF) samples facilitates porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) surveillance in commercial swine herds in a cost-effective, welfare-friendly fashion. However, OFs often contain environmental contaminants that may affect liquid handling and test performance. Traditional processing methods (e.g., filtration or centrifugation) are not compatible with high-throughput testing because of the burden of additional processing costs and time. OF "clarification" using chemical flocculants is an alternative approach not widely explored. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of chitosan-based clarification treatment on a commercial PRRSV OF ELISA. Serum and individual OFs were collected from vaccinated pigs ( n = 17) at -7 to 42 d post-vaccination and subdivided into 4 aliquots. Each aliquot was clarified (treatment A, B, C), with the 4th aliquot serving as untreated control. All samples were tested by PRRSV OF ELISA immediately after treatment and then were held at 4°C to be re-tested at 2, 4, 6, and 14 d post-treatment. Quantitative and qualitative treatment effects were evaluated. A Kruskal-Wallis test found no significant difference in ELISA S/P responses among treatments by days post-treatment. No difference was detected in the proportion of positive PRRSV antibody samples among treatments (Cochran Q, p > 0.05). Treatment of swine OFs using chitosan-based formulations did not affect the performance of a commercial PRRSV OF ELISA. Chitosan (or other flocculants) could improve OF characteristics and could be adapted for use in the field or in high-throughput laboratories.

Investigating porcine parvoviruses genogroup 2 infection using in situ polymerase chain reaction

Background

Porcine parvovirus 2 (PPV2) was detected in swine serum without showing any relationship with disease. The emergence of the virus seemed to be a unique event until other genetically highly similar parvoviruses were identified in China and, later in 2012, the presence of the virus was also described in Europe. PPV2 is widely distributed in pig populations where it is suspected to be involved in respiratory conditions, based on its frequent detection in lung samples. In order to investigate the potential pathogenic involvement of PPV2, 60 dead pigs were examined from two farms. They were necropsied and tested for PPV2 and PCV2 (Porcine circovirus type 2) by PCR; by Brown and Brenn (B&B) staining for bacteria; by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect CD3, Swine leukocyte antigen class II DQ (SLAIIDQ), lysozyme, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza (SIV), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo); and by in situ hybridization (ISH) to detect ssDNA and dsDNA of PCV2. PPV2 positive samples were subjected to in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) including double staining method to detect PPV2 and host cell markers. To calculate statistical difference we used GENMOD or LOGISTIC procedures in Statistical Analysis System (SAS®).

Results

We found that the PPV2 was localized mostly in lymphocytes in lungs, lymph nodes and liver. Neither CD3 antigen nor lysozyme was expressed by these infected cells. In contrast, low levels of SLAIIDQ were expressed by infected cells, suggesting that PPV2 may have a specific tropism for immature B lymphocytes and/or NK lymphocytes though possibly not T lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The overall conclusion of this study indicates that PPV2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of pneumonia.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1487-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Herd-level infectious disease surveillance of livestock populations using aggregate samples

All sectors of livestock production are in the process of shifting from small populations on many farms to large populations on fewer farms. A concurrent shift has occurred in the number of livestock moved across political boundaries. The unintended consequence of these changes has been the appearance of multifactorial diseases that are resistant to traditional methods of prevention and control. The need to understand complex animal health conditions mandates a shift toward the collection of longitudinal animal health data. Historically, collection of such data has frustrated and challenged animal health specialists. A promising trend in the evolution toward more efficient and effective livestock disease surveillance is the increased use of aggregate samples, e.g. bulk tank milk and oral fluid specimens. These sample types provide the means to monitor disease, estimate herd prevalence, and evaluate spatiotemporal trends in disease distribution. Thus, this article provides an overview of the use of bulk tank milk and pen-based oral fluids in the surveillance of livestock populations for infectious diseases.

Detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-specific IgM-IgA in oral fluid samples reveals PRRSV infection in the presence of maternal antibody

The ontogeny of PRRSV antibody in oral fluids has been described using isotype-specific ELISAs. Mirroring the serum response, IgM appears in oral fluid by 7days post inoculation (DPI), IgA after 7 DPI, and IgG by 9 to 10 DPI. Commercial PRRSV ELISAs target the detection of IgG because the higher concentration of IgG relative to other isotypes provides the best diagnostic discrimination. Oral fluids are increasingly used for PRRSV surveillance in commercial herds, but in younger pigs, a positive ELISA result may be due either to maternal antibody or to antibody produced by the pigs in response to infection. To address this issue, a combined IgM-IgA PRRSV oral fluid ELISA was developed and evaluated for its capacity to detect pig-derived PRRSV antibody in the presence of maternal antibody. Two longitudinal studies were conducted. In Study 1 (modified-live PRRS vaccinated pigs), testing of individual pig oral fluid samples by isotype-specific ELISAs demonstrated that the combined IgM-IgA PRRSV ELISA provided better discrimination than individual IgM or IgA ELISAs. In Study 2 (field data), testing of pen-based oral fluid samples confirmed the findings in Study 1 and established that the IgM-IgA ELISA was able to detect antibody produced by pigs in response to wild-type PRRSV infection, despite the presence of maternal IgG. Overall, the combined PRRSV IgM-IgA oral fluid ELISA described in this study is a potential tool for PRRSV surveillance, particularly in populations of growing pigs originating from PRRSV-positive or vaccinated breeding herds.

Oral fluid samples used for PRRSV acclimatization program and sow performance monitoring in endemic PRRS-positive farms

An effective gilt acclimatization program is one of the most important management strategies for controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. Recently, oral fluid samples have been used as alternative diagnostic samples for various swine diseases. This study utilized oral fluids for PRRSV monitoring during the gilt acclimatization period in PRRSV endemic farms. The study was performed in two selected commercial breeding herds (farm A and farm B). PRRSV RNA and PRRSV-specific antibodies were monitored using oral fluid and serum samples. Sow performance parameters related to PRRSV infection were recorded and assessed. After PRRSV exposure during acclimatization, viral RNA was demonstrated in oral fluids from 1 to 10 weeks post-exposure (WPE). PRRSV RNA was detected in serum at 1 and 4 WPE in farm A and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 WPE in farm B. Prolonged viremia of gilts from farm B was possibly due to re-infection (within the herd) and later, reproductive problems were found in the breeding herd. The correlation of PRRSV RNA concentration in oral fluids and serum was evident. The S/P ratio values of PRRSV antibodies in oral fluid samples were higher and had similar patterns of antibody responses to the serum samples. The results suggest that the use of oral fluid samples for PRRSV monitoring during gilt acclimatization in endemic farms is effective, convenient, practical, and economical and would be most beneficial when used with other parameters.

The use of oral fluids to monitor key pathogens in porcine respiratory disease complex

Background

The usefulness of oral fluid (OF) sampling for surveillance of infections in pig populations is already accepted but its value as a tool to support investigations of porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) has been less well studied. This study set out to describe detection patterns of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), swine influenza virus type A (SIV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) among farms showing differing severity of PRDC.

The study included six wean-to-finish pig batches from farms with historical occurrence of respiratory disease. OF samples were collected from six pens every two weeks from the 5^th to the 21^st week of age and tested by real time PCR for presence of PRRSV, SIV and M. hyo and by quantitative real time PCR for PCV2. Data was evaluated alongside clinical and post-mortem observations, mortality rate, slaughter pathology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry testing data for PCV2 antigen where available.

Results

PRRSV and M. hyo were detectable in OF but with inconsistency between pens at the same sampling time and within pens over sequential sampling times. Detection of SIV in clinical and subclinical cases showed good consistency between pens at the same sampling time point with detection possible for periods of 2–4 weeks. Quantitative testing of OF for PCV2 indicated different patterns and levels of detection between farms unaffected or affected by porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD). There was good correlation of PCR results for multiple samples collected from the same pen but no associations were found between prevalence of positive test results and pen location in the building or sex of pigs.

Conclusions

Detection patterns for PRRSV, SIV and M. hyo supported the effectiveness of OF testing as an additional tool for diagnostic investigation of PRDC but emphasised the importance of sampling from multiple pens and on multiple occasions. Preliminary evidence supported the measurement of PCV2 load in pooled OF as a tool for prediction of clinical or subclinical PCVD at farm level.