We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
First isolation of "Brachyspira hampsonii" from pigs in Europe.
- Authors
Mahu, M.; de Jong, E.; De Pauw, N.; Maele, L. Vande; Vandenbroucke, V.; Vandersmissen, T.; Miry, C.; Pasmans, F.; Haesebrouck, F.; Martel, A.; Boyen, F.
- Abstract
Context Swine dysentery in Europe is typically attributed to Brachyspira hyodysenteriae; however, a new type of Brachyspira infection has recently been described. Outbreaks of mucohaemorrhagic diarrhoea caused by strongly haemolytic Brachyspira strains inconsistent with B hyodysenteriae have been reported in the USA and Canada. These isolates have been provisionally named as 'Brachyspira hampsonii?. Main conclusion This case report describes the first case of B hampsonii infection in European pigs. It also indicates that the diagnosis of infections caused by new, emerging Brachyspira species is not self-evident and that a combination of microbial culture and PCR is recommended, alongside more extensive genotyping if necessary. Approach In a routine quarantine monitoring protocol, two gilts underwent postmortem examination. Microbial culture from the colonic content and from faecal samples revealed the presence of strongly haemolytic, ring-phenomenon- positive spirochaetes indicative for B hyodysenteriae; however, this could not be confirmed by PCR. Further characterisation of the isolates was performed by phenotypic characterisation, species-specific PCRs, sequencing of nox and 16S rRNA genes and multilocus sequence typing. Sequences of the partial nox and 16S rRNA genes were compared with sequences of other Brachyspira strains and species and a phylogenetic tree based on the alignment of the nox gene was constructed. Additionally, PCRs were performed for the haemolysis-related genes tlyA, hlyA and hlyA-ACP. Results The results indicate that the isolate was B hampsonii clade I. All isolates contained the haemolysis-associated genes hlyA, tlyA and ACP. This may explain the strong haemolysis displayed by these isolates. Interpretation Although experimentally B hampsonii strain 30599, which belongs to clade I, can induce severe clinical signs, the signs in this case were rather mild. This could be due to differences in pathogenic potential between strains or be related to Brachyspira colitis being a multifactorial disease. Environmental or nutritional factors may alter the severity of clinical signs. Significance of findings This is the first time that B hampsonii isolates porcine origin have been described in Europe.
- Subjects
SWINE dysentery; DIARRHEA; INTESTINAL diseases; SWINE; QUARANTINE
- Publication
Veterinary Record: Journal of the British Veterinary Association, 2014, Vol 174, Issue 2, p1
- ISSN
0042-4900
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1136/vr.101868