[Brucella titers in swine caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, serotype 0:9]

Antibody to Brucella abortus developed in two thirds of all gilts kept on a pig breeding station. Systematic tests taken for the purpose of detecting clinical symptoms and of isolating Brucella were negative. however, Yersinia (Y.) enterocolitica, Serotype 0:9, was cultured from rectal swab samples which had been obtained from 31 to 78 gilts. The clinical, bacteriological, and serological tests gave rise to the assumption that the Brucella titres have been caused by Yersinia enterocolitica infection. Such conclusion, however, could be drawn only as a result of a complex investigation. Detection of Yersinia enterocolitica alone is not sufficient a proof by which to rule out the possibility of concomitant Brucella infection. The question is discussed to what extent swine may be considered to be a potential source of infection of man.