Monitoring experimental swine dysentery: rectal swab blood test and Serpulina (Treponema) hyodysenteriae detection.
In two experiments, ten postweaning piglets were inoculated intragastrically with cultures of Serpulina (Treponema) hyodysenteriae strain B204 and were individually monitored for swine dysentery. Eight control animals received sterile culture medium. Between the day of inoculation and 35 days later, rectal swab samples were assayed for fecal blood by means of a commercial test kit and for S. hyodysenteriae cells by direct (phase contrast) microscopy and selective culture methods. Optimal detection of S. hyodysenteriae required both microscopy and culturing. Of 41 rectal swab samples positive for fecal blood, 38 (93%) were positive by direct microscopy, by selective culture, or by both techniques. Of 118 samples negative for fecal blood, 115 (97%) were negative by direct microscopy, by selective culture, or by both techniques. Swab samples from control swine were negative for fecal blood. The fecal blood test was a convenient and reliable method for objectively monitoring individual animals with experimental swine dysentery. The occult blood test used in these studies might be generally useful for veterinary surgeons to monitor and diagnose swine intestinal disorders in which fecal blood is produced.
Stanton
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TB
Physiopathology Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA 50010.
Jensen
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NS
D000818:Animals; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D017401:Brachyspira hyodysenteriae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004403:Dysentery / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009780:Occult Blood; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000662:veterinary; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic