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An experimental model for post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in growing piglets
1Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments Ploufragan, Laboratoire d'Etudes et de Recherches Avicoles et Porcines, BP 53, Ploufragan, 22440, France.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|January 19, 2002
Summary
Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs is linked to porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). This study demonstrates that PCV2 can cause mild PMWS symptoms, suggesting it is the primary cause of this swine disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Swine Pathology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is an emerging swine disease first identified in France in 1996.
- Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has been detected in lesions associated with PMWS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological role of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS).
Main Methods:
- Tissue homogenates from PMWS-affected piglets were used to inoculate specific pathogen-free (SPF) and conventional piglets.
- Experimental infections were monitored for clinical signs, growth retardation, and characteristic PMWS lesions.
- Serological testing was performed to assess antibody responses to common swine pathogens and PCV2.
Main Results:
- Experimental inoculation with tissue homogenates reproduced mild PMWS, characterized by pyrexia and significant growth retardation.
- A low percentage (7.2%) of inoculated SPF piglets developed severe wasting disease.
- PCV2 seroconversion was observed in inoculated piglets, while antibodies to other common swine pathogens were not detected.
Conclusions:
- The consistent reproduction of PMWS signs and the evidence of PCV2 seroconversion strongly implicate PCV2 as the primary etiological agent of PMWS.
- This finding is crucial for understanding and managing PMWS in swine populations.