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Acquisition of Clostridium difficile by piglets.

N E M Hopman1, E C Keessen, C Harmanus

  • 1Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CN, The Netherlands.

Veterinary Microbiology
|November 30, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spreads rapidly among piglets and sows on farms within days of birth. This study found no evidence of C. diff transmission from mother to piglet before birth.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Animal Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a significant cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in humans, often linked to antibiotic use.
  • In swine, C. diff can cause neonatal enteritis and is found in both sick and healthy animals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the timeline of C. diff isolation in newborn piglets post-parturition.
  • To determine the transmission dynamics of C. diff within a pig farm environment.
  • To identify the specific C. diff strain involved and assess its transmission routes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving six sows, their litters, and farrowing crates on a single farm.
  • Sampling of piglets, sows, farrowing crates, air, and sow teats until C. diff was detected in all piglets.

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  • PCR ribotyping and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat analysis (MLVA) of C. diff isolates.
  • Caesarean-derived piglets were used to rule out in utero transmission.

    • Main Results:

    • All 71 piglets became positive for C. diff within 48 hours of birth; sows became positive within 113 hours.
    • C. diff (PCR ribotype 078) was detected in air and on sow teats, indicating environmental and direct contact spread.
    • MLVA analysis confirmed isolates belonged to a single clonal complex, suggesting a common source or efficient spread.
    • Caesarean-derived piglets remained negative, ruling out vertical transmission.

    Conclusions:

    • Clostridium difficile ribotype 078 spreads rapidly through horizontal transmission among piglets, sows, and the farm environment shortly after birth.
    • Vertical transmission of C. diff ribotype 078 is unlikely.
    • Effective farm biosecurity and hygiene measures are crucial to control C. diff spread in swine populations.