POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PORCINE PROLIFERATIVE ENTEROPATHY

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of the intracell ular bacteria, ileal symbiont intracellularis of porcine proliferative enteropathy is described. The test is based on specific DNA primers a nd gave positive PCR product from samples of preserved intestinal muco sa and faeces from affected pigs. Mucosa and faeces from normal pigs g ave no positive PCR products. The identity of the PCR product was conf irmed by DNA-DNA hybridization with a probe, pCL078, specific for IS i ntracellularis. Positive results were of only observed in animals with active lesions of proliferative enteropathy. PCR is probably the most useful method for diagnosis of proliferative enteropathy that is curr ently available for live animals.