Naturally occurring porcine proliferative enteritis: pathologic and bacteriologic findings

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Microbiology
• Swine Health

Background:

• Porcine proliferative enteritis (PPE) is a significant enteric disease affecting swine.
• Understanding the microscopic pathology and causative agents of PPE is crucial for effective disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the light and electron microscopic lesions of porcine proliferative enteritis across various swine age groups.
• To identify the microbial agent associated with the observed pathological changes.

Main Methods:

• Light and electron microscopy were employed to examine intestinal tissues from swine of different ages.
• Isolation and identification of bacteria from affected ileal mucosa.

Main Results:

• A consistent microscopic feature was the proliferation of immature crypt epithelial cells, predominantly in the ileum and distal jejunum.
• Intracytoplasmic, curved organisms resembling Campylobacter were observed in epithelial cells and macrophages.
• Campylobacter sputorum subsp mucosalis was isolated from 30 of 58 swine with ileal lesions.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms Campylobacter sputorum subsp mucosalis as the bacterium associated with porcine proliferative enteritis.
• Microscopic findings correlate with the presence of this specific Campylobacter subspecies, elucidating its role in swine enteritis.