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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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Musse SL, Nielsen GB, Stege H, Weber NR, Houe H. Prevalences and excretion levels of Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira pilosicoli and Escherichia coli F4 and F18 in fecal sock samples from Danish weaner and finisher pig batches and the association with diarrhea. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:44. [PMID: 36307895 PMCID: PMC9617295 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00290-x] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial enteritis in growing pigs is a matter of concern in Danish pig production challenging herd health as well as production economy, and antimicrobial usage. The aim of this observational study using fecal sock samples was to determine the prevalence and excretion level of Lawsonia intracellularis (LI), Brachyspira pilosicoli (BP), Escherichia coli F4 (F4) and F18 (F18) and to investigate associations between prevalence or excretion levels of the bacteria and diarrhea. The study was performed in the late weaner and the early finisher period in herds with a history of diarrhea. Every weaner and finisher herd contributed with one sample each. Results In total, 47 weaner and 59 finisher herds were sampled. The overall prevalence and excretion levels (median and range in log(10) copies/gram of feces) were for LI 84.0% (median 6.2; range 3.0–7.7), for BP 45.2% (median 5.6; range 3.0–6.6), for F18 20.8% (median 5.7; range 4.7–7.7), and for F4 4.7% (median 5.5; range 5.2–6.0). In both diarrheic and non-diarrheic samples, the most prevalent bacteria were either LI alone or LI and BP in combination. In general, no association was found between increasing total bacterial excretion levels and diarrhea, but prevalence (p = 0.04) and excretion (p < 0.01) level of F18 was found to be significantly higher in diarrheic samples. Further, a significant association was found between low LI excretion level and lack of diarrhea in weaner herds (p = 0.03). A significant positive correlation was found between excretion levels of LI and BP in diarrheic weaner herd samples (p = 0.02). Conclusion Enteric pathogens were prevalent in a wide range of bacterial excretion levels in both diarrheic and non-diarrheic samples. Especially LI and BP were frequently found and with a positive correlation between excretion levels. Even in the absence of diarrhea, high prevalence and excretion levels of LI and BP were detected, thus making the status of diarrhea an insufficient tool for assessing the severity of their infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Leth Musse
- MSD Animal Health Nordics, Havneholmen 25, 1561, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | | | - Helle Stege
- Section for Production, Nutrition and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Rosager Weber
- Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, 1609, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Houe
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Campillo M, Smith SH, Gally DL, Opriessnig T. Review of methods for the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in pigs. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 33:621-631. [PMID: 33739176 PMCID: PMC8225690 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211003551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium
associated with enteric disease in pigs. Clinical signs include weight loss,
diarrhea, and, in some cases, sudden death. The hallmark lesion is the
thickening of the intestinal mucosa caused by increased epithelial cell
replication, known as proliferative enteropathy. The immune response to
L. intracellularis is not well defined, and detection of
the infection, especially in the early stages, is still a significant challenge.
We review here the main approaches used to identify this important but poorly
understood pathogen. Detection of L. intracellularis infection
as the cause of clinical disease is confounded by the high prevalence of the
pathogen in many countries and that several other pathogens can produce similar
clinical signs. A single L. intracellularis–specific ELISA and
several amplification assays are available commercially to aid detection and
surveillance, although histopathology remains the primary way to reach a
conclusive diagnosis. There are major gaps in our understanding of L.
intracellularis pathogenesis, especially how the host responds to
infection and the factors that drive infection toward different clinical
outcomes. Knowledge of pathogenesis will increase the predictive value of
antemortem tests to guide appropriate interventions, including identification
and treatment of subclinically affected pigs in the early stages of disease,
given that this important manifestation reduces pig productivity and contributes
to the economic burden of L. intracellularis worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Campillo
- The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Sionagh H Smith
- The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - David L Gally
- The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
| | - Tanja Opriessnig
- The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, UK
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Arnold M, Crienen A, Swam H, Berg SV, Jolie R, Nathues H. Correlation of Lawsonia intracellularis positivity in quantitative PCR and herd factors in European pig herds. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:13. [PMID: 33482877 PMCID: PMC7821494 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00192-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lawsonia intracellularis is causing diarrhea, poor growth and sudden death in pigs. It can be found in most pig populations leading to large economic losses worldwide. Many potential risk factors for the occurrence of disease or seropositivity have been described. The current study therefore focused on herd characteristics in European countries associated with direct detection of the pathogen determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A median number of less than 30 nursery pigs per pen was correlated to less positive nursery pigs (p < 0.01) and generally less samples positive per herd (p < 0.05) as well as a lower median of genome equivalents determined per herd (p < 0.05). Routine use of zinc oxide at/ around weaning, which was mentioned by 41.0% of all farmers, was correlated to higher number of positive nursery pigs (p < 0.01) as well as higher median genome equivalents determined per herd (p < 0.05). Slatted flooring of more than 78.0% of the surface in nursery units was correlated to lower number of positive animals (p < 0.05) and a lower median of genome equivalents per herd (p < 0.05). A weight of more than 7.8 kg at weaning was correlated to a higher number of positive growing pigs (p < 0.05) as well as general higher number of positive samples/ herd (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Weaning and subsequent accommodation of nursery pigs seem to be of particular importance in prevention of infection with Lawsonia intracellularis and the spread of the pathogen within the herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Arnold
- Clinic for Swine, Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annelies Crienen
- Center for Diagnostic Solutions, MSD AH Boxmeer, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Hanny Swam
- Center for Diagnostic Solutions, MSD AH Boxmeer, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rika Jolie
- Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ, 07940, USA
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Clinic for Swine, Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Farm Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109 a, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Arnold M, Crienen A, Swam H, von Berg S, Jolie R, Nathues H. Prevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis in pig herds in different European countries. Porcine Health Manag 2019; 5:31. [PMID: 31890255 PMCID: PMC6918559 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-019-0137-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lawsonia intracellularis causes large economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Pigs suffer from reduced daily weight gain, poor feed conversion ratio and increased mortality. The number of affected animals and herds in Europe remains unknown. This study will provide an overview of the prevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis in herds with a history of diarrhoea in different European countries and thereby identify country specific differences. Results Out of the 144 herds sampled in Germany, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, 90.3% (79.2-100.0%) contained at least one positive faecal sample on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Of the 6450 nursery, growing and finishing pigs of the previously mentioned herds, 26.2% (15.9-41.5%) of the animals were tested positive in faecal samples. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results of 60 herds were 91.7% (70-100%) positive. The percentage of positive samples in these 1791 blood samples was 31.6% (20.3-51.0%). Herd prevalence did not differ significantly by qPCR or ELISA. Significant differences between the countries were found regarding: Within-herd prevalence- qPCR: Samples from Denmark were more often positive than samples of Spain or the United Kingdom. Within-herd prevalence- ELISA: Samples from Denmark were more often positive than samples from Spain and the Netherlands. Affected age category- qPCR: Nursery pigs in Denmark were more often positive and shed more genome equivalents than nursery pigs in the other countries. Concentration of detected genome equivalents- qPCR: The concentration of genome equivalents from Lawsonia intracellularis in herds in Denmark was higher compared to all other countries. Conclusion A widespread of Lawsonia intracellularis in the six European countries was confirmed, whereby a large part of the positive animals only excreted small amounts of genome equivalents. Country specific differences were found with Denmark in particular diagnosing more Lawsonia intracellularis then the other countries. Herd data collected in this study needs to be analysed to get more information about possible reasons for the differences found between the countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Arnold
- 1Clinic for Swine, Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annelies Crienen
- Center for Diagnostic Solutions, MSD AH Boxmeer, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Hanny Swam
- Center for Diagnostic Solutions, MSD AH Boxmeer, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rika Jolie
- 4Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ 07940 USA
| | - Heiko Nathues
- 1Clinic for Swine, Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
Optimization of antimicrobial treatment is a cornerstone in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Various national and international authorities and professional veterinary and farming associations have released generic guidelines on prudent antimicrobial use in animals. However, these generic guidelines need to be translated into a set of animal species- and disease-specific practice recommendations. This article focuses on prevention of antimicrobial resistance and its complex relationship with treatment efficacy, highlighting key situations where the current antimicrobial drug products, treatment recommendations, and practices may be insufficient to minimize antimicrobial selection. The authors address this topic using a multidisciplinary approach involving microbiology, pharmacology, clinical medicine, and animal husbandry. In the first part of the article, we define four key targets for implementing the concept of optimal antimicrobial treatment in veterinary practice: (i) reduction of overall antimicrobial consumption, (ii) improved use of diagnostic testing, (iii) prudent use of second-line, critically important antimicrobials, and (iv) optimization of dosage regimens. In the second part, we provided practice recommendations for achieving these four targets, with reference to specific conditions that account for most antimicrobial use in pigs (intestinal and respiratory disease), cattle (respiratory disease and mastitis), dogs and cats (skin, intestinal, genitourinary, and respiratory disease), and horses (upper respiratory disease, neonatal foal care, and surgical infections). Lastly, we present perspectives on the education and research needs for improving antimicrobial use in the future.
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Weber NR, Nielsen JP, Hjulsager CK, Jorsal SE, Haugegaard S, Hansen CF, Pedersen KS. Comparison of bacterial culture and qPCR testing of rectal and pen floor samples as diagnostic approaches to detect enterotoxic Escherichia coli in nursery pigs. Prev Vet Med 2017. [PMID: 28622793 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) are a major cause of diarrhoea in weaned pigs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement at pen level among three different diagnostic approaches for the detection of ETEC in groups of nursery pigs with diarrhoea. The diagnostic approaches used were: bacterial culturing of faecal samples from three pigs (per pen) with clinical diarrhoea and subsequent testing for virulence genes in E. coli isolates; bacterial culturing of pen floor samples and subsequent testing for virulence genes in E. coli isolates; qPCR testing of pen floor samples in order to determine the quantity of F18 and F4 genes. The study was carried out in three Danish pig herds and included 31 pens with a pen-level diarrhoea prevalence of > 25%, as well as samples from 93 diarrhoeic nursery pigs from these pens. All E. coli isolates were analysed by PCR and classified as ETEC when genes for one or more adhesin factors and one or more enterotoxins were detected. RESULTS A total of 208 E. coli colonies from pig samples and 172 E. coli colonies from pen floor samples were isolated. Haemolytic activity was detected on blood agar plates in 111 (29.2%) of the 380 colonies that were isolated. The only adhesin factor detected in this study was F18. When comparing bacterial culture or qPCR testing of pen floor samples with detection of ETEC-positive diarrhoeic pigs by culture, agreement was found in 26 (83.9%, Kappa = 0.665) and 23 (74.2%, Kappa = 0.488) of the pens, respectively. Agreement was observed between the detection of ETEC by bacterial culture and qPCR in the same pen floor sample in 26 (83.9%, Kappa = 0.679) pens. CONCLUSION We observed an acceptable agreement for the detection of ETEC-positive diarrhoeic nursery pigs in pen samples for both bacterial culture of pen floor samples and qPCR. This study showed that both bacterial culture and qPCR testing of pen floor samples can be used as a diagnostic approach for detecting groups of ETEC-positive diarrhoeic nursery pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Weber
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - J P Nielsen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - C K Hjulsager
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - S E Jorsal
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - S Haugegaard
- Laboratory for Pig Diseases, Danish Pig Research Centre, Vinkelvej 13, 8620 Kjellerup, Denmark.
| | - C F Hansen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - K S Pedersen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Øvet A/S, Køberupvej 33, 4700 Næstved, Denmark.
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Weber NR, Pedersen KS, Hansen CF, Denwood M, Hjulsager CK, Nielsen JP. Batch medication of intestinal infections in nursery pigs-A randomised clinical trial on the efficacy of treatment strategy, type of antibiotic and bacterial load on average daily weight gain. Prev Vet Med 2017; 137:69-76. [PMID: 28107883 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research projects have demonstrated the need for better diagnostic tools to support decisions on medication strategies for infections caused by Escherichia coli F4 (F4) and F18 (F18), Lawsonia intracellularis (LI) and Brachyspira pilosicoli (PILO). This study was carried out as a randomised clinical trial in three Danish pig herds and included 1047 nursery pigs, distributed over 10 batches and 78 pens. The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the effect of four 5-day treatment strategies (initiated at clinical outbreak of diarrhoea or at fixed time points 14, 21, or 28days after weaning) on average daily weight gain (ADG); (2) to compare the effect of treatment with doxycycline or tylosine on diarrhoea prevalence, pathogenic bacterial load, and ADG; (3) to evaluate PCR testing of faecal pen floor samples as a diagnostic tool for determining the optimal time of treatment. RESULTS (1) The four treatment strategies had a significant overall effect on ADG (p=0.01). Pigs starting treatment 14days after weaning had a significantly higher ADG (42 g) compared to pigs treated on day 28 (p=0.01). (2) When measured 2days after treatment, doxycycline treatment resulted in fewer LI-positive pens (p=0.004), lower excretion levels of LI (p=0.013), and fewer pens with a high level of LI (p=0.031) compared to pens treated with tylosine. There was no significant difference in F4, F18 and PILO levels after treatment with the two antibiotic compounds. There was a significant difference (p=0.04) of mean diarrhoea prevalence on day 21 of the study between pens treated with tylosine (0.254, 95% CI: 0.184-0.324), and doxycycline (0.167, 95% CI: 0.124-0.210). The type of antibiotic compound was not found to have a significant effect on ADG (p=0.209). (3) Pigs starting treatment on day 14 in pens where F4, F18, LI or PILO were detected by qPCR on the pen floor had a statistically significant increase in ADG (66g) compared to pigs treated on day 14 in pens where no enteric pathogens were detected (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed that the highest ADG was achieved when treatment was initiated 14days after weaning in pens where intestinal pathogens were detected. Doxycycline was more effective in reducing diarrhoea and LI excretion levels than treatment with tylosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Rosager Weber
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Ken Steen Pedersen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Øvet A/S, Køberupvej 33, 4700 Næstved, Denmark.
| | - Christian Fink Hansen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Matthew Denwood
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Grønnegårdsvej 2, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Grahofer A, Overesch G, Nathues H, Zeeh F. Effect of soy on faecal dry matter content and excretion of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in pigs. Vet Rec Open 2016; 3:e000159. [PMID: 27239320 PMCID: PMC4860860 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2015-000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a soy diet on the excretion of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in five farms with subclinically infected pigs. The effects on general health, faecal consistency and dry matter were analysed. In total, 200 pigs of different ages (group 1 <100 days of age (n=120) and group 2 ≥100 days (n=80)) were randomly assigned to the control (C) and the treatment (T) groups. Group C received the farm's standard diet. In group T half of the daily feed ration was replaced by pure soy on two consecutive days. Faecal scores were used to determine faecal consistency and a microwave method to assess faecal dry matter content (FDMC). In age group 1, soy feeding resulted in a statistically significant decrease of the FDMC of 2.5 per cent compared with group C and in age group 2 in a significant increase of 2.2 per cent compared with group C at day 2. Overall seven (T: 5, C: 2) out of 597 faecal samples tested positive for B hyodysenteriae by PCR. In conclusion, a high soy diet applied over two days influenced the faecal consistency and the FDMC in growers, finishers and sows under field conditions. Further investigations with more sensitive diagnostic methods are needed to prove a potential influence of a high soy diet on the detection rate of B hyodysenteriae in subclinically infected herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Grahofer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty , Clinic for Swine, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Gudrun Overesch
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty , Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty , Clinic for Swine, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Friederike Zeeh
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty , Clinic for Swine, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
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Larsen I, Nielsen SS, Olsen JE, Nielsen JP. The efficacy of oxytetracycline treatment at batch, pen and individual level on Lawsonia intracellularis infection in nursery pigs in a randomised clinical trial. Prev Vet Med 2016; 124:25-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Larsen I, Hjulsager CK, Holm A, Olsen JE, Nielsen SS, Nielsen JP. A randomised clinical trial on the efficacy of oxytetracycline dose through water medication of nursery pigs on diarrhoea, faecal shedding of Lawsonia intracellularis and average daily weight gain. Prev Vet Med 2016; 123:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Pedersen KS, Johansen M, Angen O, Jorsal SE, Nielsen JP, Jensen TK, Guedes R, Ståhl M, Bækbo P. Herd diagnosis of low pathogen diarrhoea in growing pigs - a pilot study. Ir Vet J 2014; 67:24. [PMID: 25392732 PMCID: PMC4228118 DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-67-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The major indication for antibiotic use in Danish pigs is treatment of intestinal diseases post weaning. Clinical decisions on antibiotic batch medication are often based on inspection of diarrhoeic pools on the pen floor. In some of these treated diarrhoea outbreaks, intestinal pathogens can only be demonstrated in a small number of pigs within the treated group (low pathogen diarrhoea). Termination of antibiotic batch medication in herds suffering from such diarrhoea could potentially reduce the consumption of antibiotics in the pig industry. The objective of the present pilot study was to suggest criteria for herd diagnosis of low pathogen diarrhoea in growing pigs. Data previously collected from 20 Danish herds were used to create a case series of clinical diarrhoea outbreaks normally subjected to antibiotic treatment. In the present study, these diarrhoea outbreaks were classified as low pathogen (<15% of the pigs having bacterial intestinal disease) (n =5 outbreaks) or high pathogen (≥15% of the pigs having bacterial intestinal disease) (n =15 outbreaks). Based on the case series, different diagnostic procedures were explored, and criteria for herd diagnosis of low pathogen diarrhoea were suggested. The effect of sampling variation was explored by simulation. Results The diagnostic procedure with the highest combined herd-level sensitivity and specificity was qPCR testing of a pooled sample containing 20 randomly selected faecal samples. The criteria for a positive test result (high pathogen diarrhoea outbreak) were an average of 1.5 diarrhoeic faecal pools on the floor of each pen in the room under investigation and a pathogenic bacterial load ≥35,000 per gram in the faecal pool tested by qPCR. The bacterial load was the sum of Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira pilosicoli and Escherichia coli F4 and F18 bacteria per gram faeces. The herd-diagnostic performance was (herd-level) diagnostic sensitivity =0.99, diagnostic specificity =0.80, positive predictive value =0.94 and negative predictive value =0.96. Conclusions The pilot study suggests criteria for herd diagnosis of low pathogen diarrhoea in growing pigs. The suggested criteria should now be evaluated, and the effect of terminating antibiotic batch medication in herds identified as suffering from low pathogen diarrhoea should be explored. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2046-0481-67-24) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Steen Pedersen
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Markku Johansen
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Oystein Angen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1790 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Sven Erik Jorsal
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1790 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- HERD - Centre for Herd-oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Tim K Jensen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1790 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Roberto Guedes
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31.270-901 Brazil
| | - Marie Ståhl
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, 1790 Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Poul Bækbo
- Pig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen V, Denmark
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13
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Pedersen KS, Johansen M, Jorsal SE, Nielsen JP, Bækbo P, Angen O. Pooling of porcine fecal samples for quantification of Lawsonia intracellularis by real-time polymerase chain reaction. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:342-345. [PMID: 24621847 DOI: 10.1177/1040638714524572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Procedures in which biological specimens are mixed and tested as 1 sample (pooling) have been applied for various biological specimens and laboratory examinations. The objective of the current study was to investigate agreement between laboratory testing of fecal pools and theoretical values obtained by averaging test results from individual fecal samples in relation to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test for Lawsonia intracellularis. Ten diarrheic and 10 normal fecal samples were submitted from each of 43 Danish swine herds (n = 860 fecal samples). Pools (n = 43), each containing 20 individual fecal samples from the same herd, were prepared in the laboratory by pooling 10% fecal phosphate buffered saline solutions. All pools and individual fecal samples were subjected to qPCR testing for L. intracellularis. The theoretical number of L. intracellularis in the pools was calculated as the mean number of bacteria from the 20 individual fecal samples contributing to each pool. Agreement between the laboratory testing of pools and theoretical calculations based on individual sample results was evaluated. Pooling resulted in fewer L. intracellularis-positive herds (41.9%) compared with testing 20 fecal samples (53.5%). Agreement between the laboratory and the theoretical pools for dichotomized test results was 100% (95% confidence interval: 91.8-100%). For the quantitative test results, Lin concordance correlation coefficient was 0.997. The mean difference between the laboratory testing and the theoretical values was not different from zero (mean difference = 0.039 log10 bacteria/g feces; P = 0.26).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Steen Pedersen
- HERD-Centre for Herd-Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Pedersen, Nielsen), Copenhagen, DenmarkPig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Johansen, Bækbo), Copenhagen, DenmarkNational Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (Angen, Jorsal), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Markku Johansen
- HERD-Centre for Herd-Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Pedersen, Nielsen), Copenhagen, DenmarkPig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Johansen, Bækbo), Copenhagen, DenmarkNational Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (Angen, Jorsal), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sven Erik Jorsal
- HERD-Centre for Herd-Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Pedersen, Nielsen), Copenhagen, DenmarkPig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Johansen, Bækbo), Copenhagen, DenmarkNational Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (Angen, Jorsal), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Nielsen
- HERD-Centre for Herd-Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Pedersen, Nielsen), Copenhagen, DenmarkPig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Johansen, Bækbo), Copenhagen, DenmarkNational Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (Angen, Jorsal), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Poul Bækbo
- HERD-Centre for Herd-Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Pedersen, Nielsen), Copenhagen, DenmarkPig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Johansen, Bækbo), Copenhagen, DenmarkNational Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (Angen, Jorsal), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oystein Angen
- HERD-Centre for Herd-Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Pedersen, Nielsen), Copenhagen, DenmarkPig Research Centre, Danish Agriculture & Food Council (Johansen, Bækbo), Copenhagen, DenmarkNational Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark (Angen, Jorsal), Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Collins AM, Barchia IM. The critical threshold of Lawsonia intracellularis in pig faeces that causes reduced average daily weight gains in experimentally challenged pigs. Vet Microbiol 2013; 168:455-8. [PMID: 24388631 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Serology indicates that Lawsonia intracellularis infection is widespread in many countries, with most pigs seroconverting before 22 weeks of age. However, the majority of animals appear to be sub-clinically affected, demonstrated by the low reported prevalence of diarrhoea. Production losses caused by sub-clinical proliferative enteropathy (PE) are more difficult to diagnose, indicating the need for a quantitative L. intracellularis assay that correlates well with disease severity. In previous studies, increasing numbers of L. intracellularis in pig faeces, quantified with a real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), showed a strong negative correlation with average daily gain (ADG). In this study, the association between faecal L. intracellularis numbers and PE severity was examined in two L. intracellularis experimental challenge trials (n1=32 and n2=95). The number of L. intracellularis shed in individual faeces was determined by qPCR on days 0, 7, 14, 17 and 21 days post challenge, and average daily gain was recorded over the same period. The severity of histopathological lesions of PE was scored at 21 days post challenge. L. intracellularis numbers correlated well with histopathology severity and faecal consistency scores (r=0.72 and 0.68, respectively), and negatively with ADG (r=-0.44). Large reductions in ADG (131 g/day) occurred when the number of L. intracellularis shed by experimentally challenged pigs increased from 10(7) to 10(8)L. intracellularis, although smaller ADG reductions were also observed (15 g/day) when the number of L. intracellularis increased from 10(6) to 10(7)L. intracellularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Collins
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, PMB 4008, Narellan 2567, Australia.
| | - Idris M Barchia
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, PMB 4008, Narellan 2567, Australia
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15
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Pedersen KS, Stege H, Jensen TK, Guedes R, Ståhl M, Nielsen JP, Hjulsager C, Larsen LE, Angen Ø. Diagnostic performance of fecal quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for detection of Lawsonia intracellularis-associated proliferative enteropathy in nursery pigs. J Vet Diagn Invest 2013; 25:336-40. [PMID: 23536614 DOI: 10.1177/1040638713480499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests for detection and quantification of Lawsonia intracellularis in feces from pigs have been developed. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a fecal qPCR test for detection of nursery pigs with L. intracellularis-associated proliferative enteropathy (PE) under field conditions. Furthermore, the diagnostic performance for different subpopulations of pigs was investigated, including pigs infected or noninfected with Porcine circovirus-2, Brachyspira pilosicoli, and Escherichia coli. The diagnostic performance was evaluated in terms of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Data from pigs originating from 20 herds with antibiotic treatment requiring diarrhea outbreaks from a prior study were reused. Before treatment, pigs were randomly selected for histological and immunohistochemical examination of intestinal segments and fecal quantification of L. intracellularis by qPCR. A total of 313 pigs (157 without diarrhea, 156 with diarrhea) were included in the statistical analysis, and 37 pigs (11.8%) were classified as PE positives (defined as proliferative histological lesions in combination with L. intracellularis demonstration by immunohistochemistry). Lawsonia intracellularis was detected by qPCR in feces from 91 pigs (29.1%). A nonparametric receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis provided an area under the ROC curve (0.93) and an optimal cutoff value of 4.8 log10 L. intracellularis bacteria/g feces. This cutoff provided a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.84 and diagnostic specificity of 0.93. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were significantly different between herds (P < 0.0001). Numerically, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were different between subpopulations of pigs, but no significant differences were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Steen Pedersen
- HERD-Centre for Herd Oriented Education, Research and Development, Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 2, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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