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Porcine enteric spirochete infections in the UK: surveillance data and preliminary investigation of atypical isolates

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2007

J.R. Thomson ,
W.J. Smith ,
B.P. Murray ,
D. Murray ,
J.E. Dic  and
K.J. Sumption
J.R. Thomson*
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Science Division Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
W.J. Smith
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Science Division, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK
B.P. Murray
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Science Division Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
D. Murray
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Science Division Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
J.E. Dic
Affiliation:
Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Science Division Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
K.J. Sumption
Affiliation:
Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Veterinary Field Station, Easter Bush, Roslin, UK
*
*Scottish Agricultural College, Veterinary Science Division Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QE, UK. E-mail: J.Thomson@ed.sac.ac.uk
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Abstract

Investigations into the possible causes of colitis and typhlocolitis were carried out on 98 pig units in the United Kingdom between 1997 and 1999. Brachyspira pilosicoliwas identified most commonly, occurring as the suggested primary agent in 18% of the outbreaks but forming part of mixed infections in another 24% of outbreaks. The equivalent figures for other bacterial pathogens were: B. hyodysenteriae, 13% and 16%; Lawsonia intracellularis, 10% and 15%; Salmonella species, 6% and 12%; and Yersinia species, 4% and 10%. Unclassified Brachyspira species of unknown pathogenicity were identified in 12% of outbreaks. The 24 unclassified isolates divided into three groups on the basis of their phenotypic characteristics. In addition, there were 50 atypical Brachyspira species isolates that showed differences between their phenotypic characteristics and genetic identity based on sequence analysis of a section of the 23S rDNA gene. Four representative atypical isolates were found to be pathogenic as a result of an experimental oral challenge study in pigs.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Health Research Reviews , Volume 2 , Issue 1 , June 2001 , pp. 31 - 36
Copyright
Copyright © CAB International 2001

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