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Blirup-Plum SA, Jensen HE, Nielsen SS, Pankoke K, Hansen MS, Pedersen KS, Eriksen EØ, Nielsen JP, Olsen JE, Kudirkiene E, Larsen LE, Goecke NB, Barington K. Gastro-intestinal lesions are not relatable to diarrhoea or specific pathogens in post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in pigs. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:30. [PMID: 37400879 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) is a multifactorial condition and the most well documented infectious cause is enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The objective of the study was to investigate possible associations between pathological manifestations and pathogens in pigs with and without PWD. The study was conducted as a case-control study and included a total of 173 pigs from 9 different commercial intensive indoor production herds in eastern Denmark. RESULTS Based on clinical examination, a total of 89 piglets with PWD (cases) and 84 piglets without PWD (controls) were included. Most of the pigs (n = 105/173) presented gastric lesions, which were more frequently observed in the control group. The odds of gastric ulcers were lower among pigs with PWD compared to pigs without PWD with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.2 (0.0; 0.7). Abnormal content in the colon was associated with PWD, with an OR of 6.5 (3.2; 14.3). No apparent association was found between lesions and the various pathogens or a combination of these. The odds of neutrophilic granulocyte infiltration were lower in the jejunum among pigs with PWD (OR 0.3 [0.1; 0.6]) compared to pigs without PWD. The association between neutrophilic granulocyte infiltration in jejunum and PWD differed between the herds (P = 0.03). Furthermore, the associations between PWD and hyperleukocytosis (P = 0.04) or infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes (P = 0.04) in ileum were also herd dependent. Histopathology revealed several lesions not relatable to PWD. CONCLUSION The association between lesions and specific pathogens or PWD is more complex than anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Amalie Blirup-Plum
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Elvang Jensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Søren Saxmose Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Karen Pankoke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Mette Sif Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Ken Steen Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Ø-Vet A/S, 4700, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Esben Østergaard Eriksen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - John Elmerdahl Olsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Egle Kudirkiene
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Nicole Bakkegård Goecke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Kristiane Barington
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Hansen MS, Jensen TK, Hjulsager CK, Angen Ø, Riber U, Nielsen J, Heegaard PMH, Larsen LE. Experimental infection of high health pigs with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Lawsonia intracellularis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:994147. [PMID: 36277064 PMCID: PMC9583870 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.994147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Lawsonia intracellularis infections can cause enteritis in pigs. A Danish study showed a significantly higher probability of detecting PCV2 without concurrent L. intracellularis infection, indicating that one of these pathogens has an impact on the dynamics of the other. Therefore, a delayed co-infection model was set up, initially aiming at investigating the interaction between PCV2 and L. intracellularis in pigs challenged with PCV2 and 2 weeks later with L. intracellularis. But due to PCV2 contamination of the L. intracellularis inoculum the aim was revisited to describing the infection dynamics and pathogenesis of pigs infected with PCV2 followed by delayed simultaneous exposure to PCV2 and L. intracellularis. Twenty-four high-health piglets were divided into three groups of eight pigs (A, B, C) and inoculated at experimental day (EXD) 0 with mock (groups A and B) or PCV2 (group C), and at EXD 14 with mock (group A) or L. intracellularis/PCV2 (groups B and C). The pigs underwent daily clinical examination, and were necropsied at EXD 51–52. Furthermore, histology, immunohistochemistry, serology and PCR for PCV2 and L. intracellularis, and measurement of C-reactive protein were carried out. Results Group A remained negative for PCV2 and L. intracellularis. Following inoculation with L. intracellularis/PCV2, no significant differences were observed between group B and C, however pigs already infected with PCV2 (group C) showed milder clinical signs and exhibited milder intestinal lesions, less shedding of L. intracellularis and developed higher L. intracellularis antibody titers than the pigs in group B that only received the combined infection. Though the differences between group B and C were non-significant, all results pointed in the same direction, indicating that the pigs in group B were more affected by the L. intracellularis infection compared to the pigs in group C. Conclusions Previous exposure to PCV2 had limited impact on the subsequent exposure to a combined L. intracellularis/PCV2 inoculation. However, there was a tendency that the infection dynamics of PCV2 and development of antibodies to PCV2 and L. intracellularis were altered in pigs previously exposed to PCV2. These differences should be confirmed in further experimental trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette S. Hansen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark,The National Veterinary Institute, DTU, Kalvehave, Denmark,Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark,*Correspondence: Mette S. Hansen
| | - Tim K. Jensen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Charlotte K. Hjulsager
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark,Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øystein Angen
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark,The National Veterinary Institute, DTU, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Ulla Riber
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jens Nielsen
- The National Veterinary Institute, DTU, Kalvehave, Denmark,National Institute of Aquatic Resources, DTU, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter M. H. Heegaard
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark,Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, DTU, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars E. Larsen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark,Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Earley AM, Graves CL, Shiau CE. Critical Role for a Subset of Intestinal Macrophages in Shaping Gut Microbiota in Adult Zebrafish. Cell Rep 2018; 25:424-436. [PMID: 30304682 PMCID: PMC6245655 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is strongly influenced by environmental factors, although host contribution is far less understood. We leveraged macrophage-deficient interferon regulatory factor irf8 zebrafish mutants to investigate the role of macrophages in this process. In conventionally raised adult irf8-deficient mutants, we found a significant loss of intestinal macrophages associated with a strikingly altered gut microbiota when compared to co-housed siblings. The destabilization of the gut commensal microbiota was associated with a severe reduction in complement C1q genes and outgrowth of a rare bacterial species. Consistent with a critical function of irf8 in adult intestinal macrophages, irf8 is abundantly expressed in these cells normally, and restoring macrophage irf8 expression in irf8 mutants was sufficient to recover commensal microbes and C1q genes expression. This study reports an important subpopulation of intestinal macrophages that requires irf8 to establish in the gut, ensure normal colonization of gut microbes, and prevent immune dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Earley
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christina L Graves
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Celia E Shiau
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Karuppannan AK, Opriessnig T. Lawsonia intracellularis: Revisiting the Disease Ecology and Control of This Fastidious Pathogen in Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:181. [PMID: 30140680 PMCID: PMC6095029 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lawsonia intracellularis is an anaerobic obligate intracellular bacterium infecting the small intestine and infrequently also the large intestine of pigs and other animals including hamsters and horses. The infection is characterized by proliferation, hemorrhage, necrosis, or any combination commonly referred to as "ileitis," affecting the health and production efficacy of farmed pigs. Despite decades of research on this pathogen, the pathogenesis and virulence factors of this organism are not clearly known. In pigs, prophylaxis against L. intracellularis infection is achieved by either administration of subtherapeutic levels of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters or vaccination. While the former approach is considered to be effective in L. intracellularis control, potential regulations on subtherapeutic antibiotics in many countries in the near future may necessitate alternative approaches. The potential of manipulating the gut microbiome of pigs with feed ingredients or supplements to control L. intracellularis disease burden is promising based on the current understanding of the porcine gut microbiome in general, as well as preliminary insights into the disease ecology of L. intracellularis infection accrued over the last 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbu K. Karuppannan
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Tanja Opriessnig
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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Smith SH, Wilson AD, Van Ettinger I, MacIntyre N, Archibald AL, Ait-Ali T. Down-regulation of mechanisms involved in cell transport and maintenance of mucosal integrity in pigs infected with Lawsonia intracellularis. Vet Res 2014; 45:55. [PMID: 24885874 PMCID: PMC4031155 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-45-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium, responsible for the disease complex known as proliferative enteropathy (PE). L. intracellularis is associated with intestinal crypt epithelial cell proliferation but the mechanisms responsible are yet to be defined. Microarray analysis was used to investigate the host-pathogen interaction in experimentally infected pigs to identify pathways that may be involved. Ileal samples originating from twenty-eight weaner pigs experimentally challenged with a pure culture of L. intracellularis (strain LR189/5/83) were subjected to microarray analysis. Microarray transcriptional signatures were validated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real time PCR of selected genes at various time points post challenge. At peak of infection (14 days post challenge) 86% of altered transcripts were down regulated, particularly those involved in maintenance of mucosal integrity and regulation of cell transport. Among the up-regulated transcripts, CD163 and CDK1 were novel findings and considered to be important, due to their respective roles in innate immunity and cellular proliferation. Overall, targeted cellular mechanisms included those that are important in epithelial restitution, migration and protection; maintenance of stable inter-epithelial cell relationships; cell transport of nutrients and electrolytes; innate immunity; and cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tahar Ait-Ali
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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Vannucci FA, Gebhart CJ. Recent Advances in Understanding the Pathogenesis of Lawsonia intracellularis Infections. Vet Pathol 2014; 51:465-77. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985813520249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Proliferative enteropathy is an infectious disease caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium, Lawsonia intracellularis, and characterized by thickening of the intestinal epithelium due to enterocyte proliferation. The disease is endemic in swine herds and has been occasionally reported in various other species. Furthermore, outbreaks among foals began to be reported on breeding farms worldwide within the past 5 years. Cell proliferation is directly associated with bacterial infection and replication in the intestinal epithelium. As a result, mild to severe diarrhea is the major clinical sign described in infected animals. The dynamics of L. intracellularis infection in vitro and in vivo have been well characterized, but little is known about the genetic basis for the pathogenesis or ecology of this organism. The present review focuses on the recent advances regarding the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction of L. intracellularis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. A. Vannucci
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - C. J. Gebhart
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
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Mayer JR, Fielding CL, Pusterla N, Magdesian KG, Higgins JC. Lawsonia intracellularisproliferative enteropathy in a 3.5-year-old miniature horse. EQUINE VET EDUC 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - N. Pusterla
- VM: Department of Medicine and Epidemiology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California Davis; California USA
| | - K. G. Magdesian
- VM: Department of Medicine and Epidemiology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California Davis; California USA
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Labuscagne A, Spencer BT, Picard JA, Williams MC. An investigation to determine the cause of haemorrhagic enteritis in commercial pig grower units in the northern parts of South Africa. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2012; 83:19. [PMID: 23327139 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v83i1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Necropsies were performed on 36 grower pigs that died peracutely on farms in the northern parts of South Africa. All these pigs were suffering from haemorrhagic enteritis and suspected toxaemia. Samples of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were taken for histopathological examination and a section of ileum was collected for microbiological examination from each animal. Histological lesions characteristic of enterotoxigenic Clostridium infection were found. Large, Gram-positive bacilli were sometimes abundant in sections and mucosal smears of the intestine. However, only 40% of the cultures were positive for Clostridium perfringens.
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Early pathogenesis in porcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. J Comp Pathol 2010; 143:101-9. [PMID: 20167332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2010.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis, the cause of proliferative enteropathy (PE) in pigs, is believed to infect mitotically active epithelial cells of the intestinal crypts and then multiply and spread in these cells as they divide. Further spread of infection is thought to occur by shedding of bacteria from infected crypts followed by infection of new crypts. The early stages of the pathogenesis of PE, from 0 to 48 hours post-infection (hpi), have not been studied in vivo. In the present study pigs were inoculated with L. intracellularis and killed from 12 hpi to 5 days post-infection (dpi). The localization of L. intracellularis was determined immunohistochemically and by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. At 12 hpi L. intracellularis was found within epithelial cells at the tips of villi, indicating infection of a range of epithelial cells including mature differentiated enterocytes. Furthermore, early invasion of the intestinal connective tissue was observed; with the presence of single bacteria in the lamina propria 12 hpi, and with a further spread of bacteria in the lamina propria observed at 5 dpi, suggesting an active role for the lamina propria in the course of infection.
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Jensen T, Boesen H, Vigre H, Boye M. Detection of Lawsonia intracellularis in Formalin-fixed Porcine Intestinal Tissue Samples: Comparison of Immunofluorescence and In-situ Hybridization, and Evaluation of the Effects of Controlled Autolysis. J Comp Pathol 2010; 142:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2006] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Jacobson M, Fellström C, Jensen-Waern M. Porcine proliferative enteropathy: an important disease with questions remaining to be solved. Vet J 2009; 184:264-8. [PMID: 19487140 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2008] [Revised: 05/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Proliferative enteropathy caused by the intracellular bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis is an endemic disease with high herd prevalences reported worldwide. The infection has a considerable impact on pig production and herd economics and, with the development of new diagnostic techniques, L. intracellularis is being identified in an increasing number of pig herds and a wider range of species. This paper reviews current knowledge of the disease, with a focus on the epidemiology in pigs. The prevalence of infection, transmission, predisposing factors, microbial features, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and control are discussed. The disease is mainly controlled by antibiotic treatment and vaccination at herd level. In the development of effective measures to prevent the spread of the infection, increased knowledge of the transmission and persistence of the microorganism are crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Jacobson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Jensen TK, Vigre H, Svensmark B, Bille-Hansen V. Distinction between porcine circovirus type 2 enteritis and porcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. J Comp Pathol 2006; 135:176-82. [PMID: 17070535 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2006.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2005] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was studied immunohistochemically in formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded samples of intestinal tissue from 80 pigs with a clinical history suggestive of Lawsonia intracellularis-associated diarrhoea. Histopathologically, enteritis of varying intensity was diagnosed in 64 of the pigs. Of these 64 animals, 34 (18%) were infected with both PCV2 and L. intracellularis. Of the remaining 30 cases of enteritis, 23 (77%) were attributed to PCV2 infection alone. The PCV2-associated enteritis cases showed necrotizing ileitis and colitis, indistinguishable macroscopically from proliferative enteritis (PE) due to L. intracellularis. Histopathologically, L. intracellularis-positive intestines showed adenomatous proliferation of crypt enterocytes, whereas PCV2 enteritis was characterized by histiocytosis of varying intensity, with PCV2-positive cells in the submucosa, lamina propria and crypt epithelium, as well as in the lymphoid tissue of the ileum and colon. Multinucleated giant cells, however, were seen in both infections. PCV2 was about three times more likely to be detected in L. intracellularis-negative than in L. intracellularis-positive samples (P<0.001). There was no association between PCV2 and other intestinal bacterial pathogens. The study demonstrated that PCV2 enteritis should be borne in mind in the differential diagnosis of L. intracellularis infection in pigs aged 2-4 months with a clinical history of diarrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Jensen
- Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research, Bülowsvej 27, DK-1790 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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