Efficacy of tiamulin against experimentally induced Streptococcus suis type-2 infection in swine.
Eighteen 4-week-old pigs were used in a study to evaluate tiamulin in drinking water for control of experimentally induced Streptococcus suis type-2 infection. Pigs in groups A and B (n = 6 pigs/group) were aerosolized with a logarithmic-growth phase culture of S suis type 2, whereas pigs in group C (n = 6 pigs) served as noninfected and nonmedicated controls. After exposure to S suis, pigs in group B were given 180 mg of tiamulin/L of drinking water for 5 days. Pigs in group B consumed more feed (P = 0.009) and gained body weight faster (P = 0.02) than did pigs in group A. Pigs in group A had higher rectal temperature (P = 0.05) for up to 7 days after S suis exposure, higher clinical sign scores (P = 0.008), higher serum cortisol concentration on days 7 and 14, higher gross lesion scores (P = 0.03), and higher microscopic lesion scores (P = 0.01) than did pigs in groups B and C. Gross and microscopic lesions in pigs of groups A and B included meningitis, pneumonia, pleuritis, pericarditis, peritonitis, and synovitis of variable severity. Streptococcus suis type 2 was recovered from tissue specimens of 2 group-A pigs and 1 group-B pig. Data indicated that tiamulin administered via drinking water significantly reduced the effects of S suis type-2 infection.
Chengappa
M M
MM
Breathitt Veterinary Center, Murray State University, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.
Pace
L W
LW
Williams
J A
JA
Herren
C H
CH
Ascher
S E
SE
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001831:Body Temperature; D004224:Diterpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004326:Drinking; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004224:Diterpenes; C014224:tiamulin