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Case-control study of pathogens involved in piglet diarrhea
Vera L A Ruiz1, Josete G Bersano2, Aline F Carvalho3
1Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. letticie@usp.br.
BMC Research Notes
|January 13, 2016
Summary
Pathogen presence alone doesn't cause piglet diarrhea. Cystoisospora suis and Eimeria spp. were linked to diarrhea, highlighting the need for accurate diagnostics and targeted treatments over broad medication use.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Health
- Swine Production
Background:
- Diarrhea significantly impacts commercial swine production.
- Piglet diarrhea results from pathogen-host interactions and management factors.
- Multiple agents including bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of various pathogens with diarrhea in piglets.
- To determine if pathogen presence alone correlates with diarrhea incidence.
- To evaluate the significance of co-infections in piglet diarrhea.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from piglets were analyzed for bacterial, viral, protozoan, and parasitic agents.
- Case and control groups were established to compare pathogen prevalence.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences and co-infections.
Main Results:
- Most investigated agents were detected, but not exclusively in sick piglets.
- Cystoisospora suis and Eimeria spp. showed a statistically significant association with diarrhea.
- A significant co-infection link was found between Clostridium perfringens beta2 and Cystoisospora suis.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen detection in piglets does not solely determine diarrhea occurrence.
- The study suggests re-evaluating the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and anthelminthics.
- Emphasizes the importance of laboratory diagnostics, result interpretation, and prophylactic measures.
