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Etiologic studies on late-term swine abortions
J N Nielsen1, C H Armstrong, J J Turek
1Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Summary
Swine abortions were investigated, implicating a viral agent in some cases. However, most abortions showed motile, filamentous organisms identified as Mollicutes via electron microscopy, despite high Leptospira bratislava antigen reactivity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Swine abortions pose significant economic challenges in livestock production.
- Identifying the specific etiologic agents responsible for swine reproductive failure is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of 138 swine abortions.
- To identify the etiologic agent(s) responsible for reproductive losses in swine herds.
Main Methods:
- Detailed examination of 138 swine abortion cases.
- Isolation and identification of potential infectious agents (viral, bacterial).
- Microscopic examination (including electron microscopy) of affected tissues and fluids.
- Serological testing for Leptospira bratislava antigen.
Main Results:
- A viral agent was implicated in 7 cases.
- Bacteria were isolated in less than 50% of cases.
- Motile, filamentous organisms were observed in tissues and fluids of 61% of cases.
- Electron microscopy identified these organisms as wall-free prokaryotes, characteristic of Mollicutes.
- High reactor rates to Leptospira bratislava antigen were observed in affected farms, but the primary observed organism was not Leptospira.
Conclusions:
- While viruses and bacteria can cause swine abortions, a significant proportion of cases in this study were associated with organisms identified as Mollicutes.
- The morphological characteristics of the observed organisms, confirmed by electron microscopy, suggest Mollicutes as a potential key factor in these swine abortions.
- Further research is needed to confirm the pathogenicity of these Mollicutes in swine reproductive failure and differentiate them from Leptospira bratislava infections.