Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
10:30
A Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: May 16, 2015
Diarrhoea in piglets inoculated with rotavirus
Australian Veterinary Journal
|April 1, 1978
Summary
This study shows that rotavirus causes severe diarrhea in artificially reared piglets, leading to dehydration and weight loss. Conventionally reared piglets showed milder symptoms, indicating differences in susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a significant cause of diarrhea in piglets.
- Artificially reared piglets may have different immune responses compared to conventionally reared ones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of a field isolate of rotavirus in different piglet rearing systems.
- To evaluate the disease progression and clinical signs following rotavirus infection in gnotobiotic and conventional piglets.
Main Methods:
- A rotavirus isolate was purified and orally administered to gnotobiotic and conventional piglets.
- Virus presence was confirmed via electron microscopy in fecal samples.
- Clinical signs, including diarrhea, dehydration, and weight loss, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Gnotobiotic piglets developed severe diarrhea within 20-24 hours after four successive passages.
- Artificially reared piglets exhibited moderate to severe diarrhea lasting 3-8 days, with some mortality.
- Conventional piglets showed minimal to no diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus poses a significant threat to artificially reared piglets, causing severe gastrointestinal disease.
- Rearing conditions influence piglet susceptibility to rotavirus infection.
- Further research into protective strategies for artificially reared piglets is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:17Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...