Abstract
BackgroundPorcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) is a major concern to the pig industry worldwide. Although 8.3 billion pigs are produced each year in China, few reports on the prevalence of L.intracellularis infection are available. The aim of the current study was to estimate the seroprevalence of L. intracellularis antibodies in intensive pig farms in China.ResultsA total of 1060 serum samples were collected from 14 commercial pig farms located throughout China. Animals from all age groups were sampled including pre-weaning piglets, weaners, fattening pigs, adult sows and boars. Antibodies against L. intracellularis were detected using a specific blocking ELISA. Of the 1060 serum samples, 602 were identified as positive using the ELISA test. The apparent seroprevalence of L. intracellularis seropositivity was 57% (95% CI 50 to 64%). The true prevalence (that is, prevalence corrected for the imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the testing method) was 77% (95% CI 70 to 83%).ConclusionsThe highest true prevalence was observed in sows and boars, suggesting that within a herd these stock classes are a reservoir for infection. The prevalence of L. intracellularis seropositivity in local breed pigs was significantly less than that in imported breeds. A higher seroprevalence was found in pigs in herds in Central and Northern China, which may correspond to the greater use of the intensive production systems in these areas. We conclude that L. intracellularis is widely prevalent in commercial pigs in China.
Highlights
Porcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) is a major concern to the pig industry worldwide
The true prevalence of seropositivity was significantly greater in Central China compared with Southern China and significantly greater in Central China compared with Northern China (Table 1)
The true prevalence of L. intracellularis seropositivity was significantly greater in boars, sows and fattening pigs compared with pre-weaning piglets and weaners (Table 2)
Summary
Porcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis (L. intracellularis) is a major concern to the pig industry worldwide. 8.3 billion pigs are produced each year in China, few reports on the prevalence of L.intracellularis infection are available. The pathogen mostly occupies the small and large intestine in pigs and causes porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) post weaning. Infection leads to diarrhea, retarded growth and/or sudden death in fattening pigs. A high prevalence of L. intracellularis has been reported throughout the world, contributing to a substantial level of economic loss in the swine industry [1,2,3]. The first case of L. intracellularis infection in pigs was described in 1931 [5] and since that time, L. intracellularis has been reported in swine producing countries all over
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