PIG DYSENTERY - DETECTION AND CLINICAL-ST UDY

Pig dysentery is a transmissible enteritis, mainly seen in fattening p igs. It provokes chronic mucohemorrhagic diarrhoea which is responsibl e for weight lost and mortality. It is caused by the pathogenic action of a spirochaete, identified as Serpula (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae. T his spirochaete is also pathogenic for the mouse, guinea-pig and chick and can be revealed by direct microscopic examination using a black b ackground and immonofluorescence. However, it is better to culture the bacterium usign a special medium hich allows precise identification a nd the differentiation from other non-pathogenic spirochaetes, such as , Serpula (Serpulina) innocens. It is now possible to identify the bac terium directly in faecal material with DNA probes. Infection is follo wed by immunity induced by the bacterial endotoxin, but different sero types exist, which do not give cross-immunity. Vaccine preparation the refore requires a thorough knowledge of the serotypes involved in the different affected areas.