Enteric adenovirus infection in pigs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Virology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Intranuclear adenovirus inclusion bodies have been observed in the intestinal epithelium of pigs.
• Previous studies have not definitively linked these findings to specific disease outcomes in conventionally raised animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and significance of adenovirus inclusion bodies in the intestinal epithelium of pigs.
• To determine if adenovirus infection is associated with enteric disease in pigs.

Main Methods:

• Histological, electron microscopical, and cytological examinations were performed on intestinal tissues from 43 pigs.
• Pigs were sourced from 38 farms over a two-year period (August 1981 - January 1983).
• Diagnostic evaluation included identification of other known causes of porcine enteric disease.

Main Results:

• Adenovirus inclusion bodies were identified in the intestinal epithelium of 43 pigs, typically young (under three weeks old).
• Inclusion bodies were found in villous epithelium and more commonly over Peyer's patches in the ileum.
• Fifty-three percent of infected pigs had diarrhea, but other enteric pathogens were often present; adenovirus appeared incidental in non-diarrheic pigs.

Conclusions:

• Adenovirus infection in the intestinal epithelium of conventional pigs is likely asymptomatic.
• The presence of adenovirus inclusion bodies is probably incidental and not a primary cause of enteric disease in this population.
• Further research may be needed to understand the full spectrum of adenovirus roles in swine health.