Molecular identification and prevalence of Isospora sp. in pigs in Western Australia using a PCR-RFLP assay.
Little is known about the prevalence of Isospora in domestic pigs in Western Australia. A total of 289 pig faecal samples were collected from pre- and post-weaned pigs and sows from 1 indoor and 3 outdoor piggeries located in the south-west region of Western Australia. Faecal samples were screened using a PCR-RFLP assay based on the ITS-1 rDNA locus. An overall prevalence of 10.4% (30/289) was identified. Isospora was detected in 16.3% (20/123) of pre-weaned animals and 6.4% (10/156) of post-weaned animals. PCR-RFLP analysis confirmed the presence of Isospora suis in 86.7% of the positive Isospora isolates. Isospora was significantly associated with diarrhea and the findings of this study suggest that management factors such as cleaning practices, flooring types and stocking densities need to be investigated in the porcine host to find new and improved measures for control.
Johnson
Johanna
J
Division of Health Sciences, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
Samarasinghe
Bimba
B
Buddle
Ross
R
Armson
Anthony
A
Ryan
Una
U
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer / Q000737:chemistry; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D007549:Isospora / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D021865:Isosporiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D015995:Prevalence; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology
D021903:DNA, Ribosomal Spacer