Intracellularis Infection Research Articles

Multi-antigenic recombinant subunit vaccine against Lawsonia intracellularis: The etiological agent of porcine proliferative enteropathy

Proliferative enteropathy, caused by Lawsonia intracellularis, represents a threat for swine industry. Current vaccines are effective but difficult to obtain and scaled up, because of demanding bacterial culture conditions. In this work, a subunit vaccine candidate against L. intracellularis was developed and its efficacy was evaluated in vivo, alone or co-formulated with pig recombinant IFN-α.The vaccine formulation contains three chimeric antigens: two outer membrane proteins and a secreted one, which were engineered by adding T epitopes using bioinformatics tools. After simultaneously expressing the three antigens in E. coli, its immunogenicity was tested in mice and pigs. Antigens co-formulated with porcine IFN-α were also assayed in the last species. Immune response was assessed by ELISA and qPCR, and histopathological studies of intestinal epithelial tissue were performed after challenge.Mice and pigs showed an increased IgG response against chimeric antigens. Particularly, there were significant differences in the antibody response when porcine IFN-α was co-administrated with L. intracellularis antigens. Besides, mRNAs from il12 and cd4 marker were detected during the first week after immunization of pigs, suggesting a Th1-type cellular immune response. The significant enhancement of oas2 gene expression indicates the effect exerted by porcine IFN-α. Post-mortem histopathological analysis post-challenge revealed damage only into epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract from animals of the negative control group. Injuries were related to atrophy of the intestinal villi, where a decrease of globet cells and a greater migration of lymphocytes were observed.Overall, our results demonstrated that the vaccine candidate elicited significant humoral and cellular immune responses. Besides, histopathological analysis suggested that vaccinated animals were protected against experimental L. intracellularis infection. This research constitutes a step forward to the generation of the first recombinant chimeric vaccine against L. intracellularis, representing a faster, easier and cost effective approach to counteract the porcine proliferative enteropathy.

Effects of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in the proliferation of different mammalian cell lines

Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes proliferative enteropathy in various animal species. While cellular proliferation of intestinal cells is recognized as the hallmark of L. intracellularis infection in vivo, it has not been demonstrated in in vitro models. In order to assay the effect of L. intracellularis, various cell lines were infected with pathogenic and non-pathogenic passages of the bacterium. Because of the high proliferative rate of these cell lines, serum deprivation, which is known to reduce proliferation, was applied to each of the cell lines to allow the observation of proliferation induced by L. intracellularis. Using antibodies for Ki-67 and L. intracellularis in dual immunofluorescence staining, we observed that L. intracellularis was more frequently observed in proliferating cells. Based on wound closure assays and on the amount of eukaryotic DNA content measured over time, we found no indication that cell lines infected with L. intracellularis increased proliferation and migration when compared to non-infected cells (p > 0.05). Cell arrest due to decreased serum in the culture media was cell-line dependent. Taken together, our findings provide data to support and expand previous subjective observations of the absence of in vitro proliferation caused by L. intracellularis in cell cultures and confirm that cell lines infected by L. intracellularis fail to serve as adequate models for understanding the cellular changes observed in proliferative enteropathy-affected intestines.

Nutrient digestibility, organ morphometry and performance in vaccinated or non-vaccinated Lawsonia intracellularis infected piglets

BackgroundLawsonia intracellularis is one of the world’s most important infectious diseases in pork production with regard to economic losses. So far, studies are missing that describe the effects of a natural infection of piglets on the digestibility of nutrients, possible effects on performance and the morphometrics of the intestine depending on whether piglets are vaccinated, clinically healthy or clinically affected with regard to Lawsonia intracellularis induced diarrhoea.ResultsDigestibility studies were performed on a total of 27 eight-week-old piglets with naturally occurring Lawsonia intracellularis infection in a trial with three repetitions. Nine out of 27 animals were vaccinated as suckling pigs with a commercial Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine (vac; Enterisol®Ileitis). Half of the remaining 18 animals were without clinical signs of infection (non-vac/cs-), half showed moderate clinical signs of Lawsonia intracellularis induced diarrhoea (non-vac/cs+). All three groups were fed one identical complete diet ad libitum. Faecal shedding of Lawsonia intracellularis was found in all groups (25 out of 27 animals). Numerically, the mean excretion in the group non-vac/cs + (7.69 ± 1.65 log10 copies/ g faeces) was higher in comparison to the group non-vac/cs- (5.83 ± 2.35 log10 copies/ g faeces) and vaccinated animals (vac: 6.00 ± 2.89log10 copies/ g faeces). The average daily weight gain (ADG; Ø 8.66 day period) differed significantly (vac: 894a ± 73.3, non-vac/cs-: 857ab ± 86.3, non-vac/cs+: 785b ± 137 g/day). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen was significantly lower in clinically affected animals (vac: 83.0a ± 1.72, non-vac/cs-: 83.9a ± 2.03, non-vac/cs+: 80.7b ± 2.57).The total length of the small intestine in clinically affected animals increased significantly (vac: 15.9ab ± 1.57, non-vac/cs-: 14.6b ± 1.12, non-vac/cs+: 16.2a ± 1.37 m). The relative body weight depending on the length of the small intestine was lower for clinically affected animals (vac: 1.72a ± 0.21, non-vac/cs-: 1.83a ± 0.17, non-vac/cs+: 1.56b ± 0.12 kg/m).ConclusionThese studies show that clinically moderate L. intracellularis infections lead to significantly lower ADGs in comparison to vaccinated animals. The disease is also found in altered intestinal morphometry and reduced total N digestibility if clinical signs occur.

Lawsonia intracellularis: Revisiting the Disease Ecology and Control of This Fastidious Pathogen in Pigs.

Lawsonia intracellularis is an anaerobic obligate intracellular bacterium infecting the small intestine and infrequently also the large intestine of pigs and other animals including hamsters and horses. The infection is characterized by proliferation, hemorrhage, necrosis, or any combination commonly referred to as “ileitis,” affecting the health and production efficacy of farmed pigs. Despite decades of research on this pathogen, the pathogenesis and virulence factors of this organism are not clearly known. In pigs, prophylaxis against L. intracellularis infection is achieved by either administration of subtherapeutic levels of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters or vaccination. While the former approach is considered to be effective in L. intracellularis control, potential regulations on subtherapeutic antibiotics in many countries in the near future may necessitate alternative approaches. The potential of manipulating the gut microbiome of pigs with feed ingredients or supplements to control L. intracellularis disease burden is promising based on the current understanding of the porcine gut microbiome in general, as well as preliminary insights into the disease ecology of L. intracellularis infection accrued over the last 30 years.

A real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid detection of Lawsonia intracellularis in porcine fecal samples

Porcine proliferative enteritis is a common diarrheal disease characterized by thickening of the intestinal mucosa in swine due to enterocyte proliferation, which is caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. In this study, a real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed to detect L. intracellularis based on the conserved region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The optimal reaction conditions of the real-time LAMP was 65 °C for 60 min. The LAMP products could be detected by both real-time turbidity and direct visual inspection. The assay was specific for L. intracellularis, as no cross-reaction was observed with other pathogens. The detection limit of the real-time LAMP assay was 1.4 × 10−1pg of L. intracellularis DNA, which was the same as that of real-time PCR and approximately 100 times more sensitive than that of conventional PCR. Of the 136 clinical samples, L. intracellularis DNA was identified in 60 samples by real-time LAMP, which was the same as real-time PCR and higher than conventional PCR (36.8%, 50/136). The specific, sensitive and rapid real-time LAMP assay developed in this study could be a useful alternative tool in point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of L. intracellularis infection.

Experimental studies on effects of diet on Lawsonia intracellularis infections in fattening boars in a natural infection model

BackgroundLawsonia intracellularis is one of the most economically important pathogens in swine production. This study tested the hypothesis that the composition of diets for pigs has an impact on the excretion of L. intracellularis in a natural infection model.ResultsFifty boars (~ 90 kg BW) from a SPF-farm with a strict hygiene and management regime for reducing the spread of an L. intracellularis infection up to the beginning of the final fattening period were transported, regrouped and randomly allotted to groups of five animals each at the research facility. After a 1-week acclimatisation period groups were fed one of five diets 4 weeks before slaughter. These were either a finely ground pelleted diet (FP) or a coarsely ground meal diet (CM), both consisting of wheat (40.0%), barley (39.3%), soybean meal (16.0%), soybean oil (2.0%) and minor components. In the other meal diets parts of wheat, barley and soybean meal were substituted either with 22% cracked corn (CORN), 16.9% dried whey (WHEY) or 30% raw potato starch (RPS). The animals had a comparable serological status in a blocking-ELISA immediately before the start and at the end of the feeding experiment. Values increased significantly during the trial. In all subgroups (FP/CM/CORN/WHEY/RPS), shedding was detected in week 0 (genome equivalents = GE; log10 GE L. intracellularis/g faeces: 2.46 ± 2.64/3.58 ± 2.54/3.43 ± 2.37/2.30 ± 3.16/2.58 ± 2.73). The average number of L. intracellularis microbes in faeces during the trial period did not differ between the groups (log10 GE L. intracellularis/g faeces: 3.40 ± 1.53/3.01 ± 1.41/3.80 ± 1.71/3.98 ± 2.20/4.08 ± 2.13). In animals fed the WHEY-diet, significantly lower counts of L. intracellularis were found in the caecal content. The acetate content in the caecum was negatively correlated with the serological results at the end of the trial (r = − 0.36; P = 0.010). Butyrate concentrations in the caecal content were negatively correlated with the number of L. intracellularis in the caecum (r = − 0.32; P = 0.023).ConclusionTherefore, this study provides preliminary evidence that there might be specific dietary effects on the course of a L. intracellularis infection.

398 Development of Swine Enteroids As a Model to Study Lawsonia Intracellularis Infection.

398 Development of Swine Enteroids As a Model to Study Lawsonia Intracellularis Infection.

Effect of a live attenuated vaccine against Lawsonia intracellularis in weaned and finishing pig settings in Finland

BackgroundThe intracellular bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis is an important pathogen in modern swine production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a live attenuated L. intracellularis vaccine (Enterisol Ileitis®) on the health and production parameters of weaned and finishing pigs in a commercial Finnish 850-sow farm with diagnosed L. intracellularis infection. The herd was free from enzootic pneumonia, swine dysentery, progressive atrophic rhinitis, sarcoptic mange and salmonellosis. Four weekly groups of approximately 500 piglets were included in the study for a total of approximately 2000 piglets. Half of these piglets were vaccinated at 3 weeks of age and the other half served as controls. The study piglets were ear-tagged with individual numbers and colour-coded and were individually weighed at weaning (4 weeks), delivery to the finishing farm (12–14 weeks) and at slaughter. Mortality, symptoms of diseases and medications of the study piglets were registered in the nursery and finishing unit. Feed conversion rate was calculated for the finishing period and lean meat percentage was measured at slaughter.ResultsVaccinated piglets had a higher live weight than unvaccinated piglets at delivery to the finishing unit (+ 1.18 kg, P = 0.002) and at slaughter (+ 3.57 kg, P < 0.001). The daily weight gain of vaccinated piglets was better than unvaccinated piglets in the nursery (+ 14.8 g/d, P = 0.013) and in the finishing unit (+ 30.9 g/d, P < 0.001). Vaccination had no effect on feed conversion rate or lean meat percentage (P = 0.102). Altogether, 3.9 and 4.6% of the pigs were medicated for different reasons in the vaccinated and control groups, respectively. The return on investment for the vaccination was calculated to be 0.41.ConclusionsImmunisation of piglets with a live attenuated L. intracellularis vaccine resulted in higher meat yield in pig production via significantly higher live weight and average daily weight gain in a Finnish specific pathogen-free setting.

Systemic cytokine response in pigs infected orally with a Lawsonia intracellularis isolate of South Korean origin.

In the swine industry, Lawsonia intracellularis is one of the main enteric pathogens; it causes acute intestinal hemorrhage (proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy) in naïve adult pigs and a wasting disease (proliferative enteropathy) in growing pigs. Among many kinds of cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) has previously been reported to play a significant role in limiting intracellular infection and increasing cellular proliferation associated with L. intracellularis. However, the levels of various circulating inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, in animals infected with L. intracellularis is still an area of considerable interest for understanding immunity against this bacterium. In addition, there has been no information on cytokine response in animals infected with any L. intracellularis isolate of South Korean origin or Asian origin. To determine the relationship between the changes in the systemic inflammatory cytokine response in the peripheral blood of the host after L. intracellularis infection, we measured the levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)), and a chemokine (IL-8) in pigs infected with L. intracellularis isolated from South Korea. This study demonstrated that a L. intracellularis isolate of South Korean origin induced cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) responses in infected animals within 15 days post-infection although the circulating levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-8 and TGF-β were induced relatively late.

Lawsonia intracellularis exploits β-catenin/Wnt and Notch signalling pathways during infection of intestinal crypt to alter cell homeostasis and promote cell proliferation.

Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes proliferative enteropathy (PE) in pigs. L. intracellularis infection causes extensive intestinal crypt cell proliferation and inhibits secretory and absorptive cell differentiation. However, the affected host upstream cellular pathways leading to PE are still unknown. β-catenin/Wnt signalling is essential in maintaining intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and self-renewal capacity, while Notch signalling governs differentiation of secretory and absorptive lineage specification. Therefore, in this report we used immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RTqPCR) to examine β-catenin/Wnt and Notch-1 signalling levels in uninfected and L. intracellularis infected pig ileums at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post challenge (dpc). We found that while the significant increase in Ki67+ nuclei in crypts at the peak of L. intracellularis infection suggested enhanced cell proliferation, the expression of c-MYC and ASCL2, promoters of cell growth and ISC proliferation respectively, was down-regulated. Peak infection also coincided with enhanced cytosolic and membrane-associated β-catenin staining and induction of AXIN2 and SOX9 transcripts, both encoding negative regulators of β-catenin/Wnt signalling and suggesting a potential alteration to β-catenin/Wnt signalling levels, with differential regulation of the expression of its target genes. We found that induction of HES1 and OLFM4 and the down-regulation of ATOH1 transcript levels was consistent with the increased Notch-1 signalling in crypts at the peak of infection. Interestingly, the significant down-regulation of ATOH1 transcript levels coincided with the depletion of MUC2 expression at 14 dpc, consistent with the role of ATOH1 in promoting goblet cell maturation. The lack of significant change to LGR5 transcript levels at the peak of infection suggested that the crypt hyperplasia was not due to the expansion of ISC population. Overall, simultaneous induction of Notch-1 signalling and the attenuation of β-catenin/Wnt pathway appear to be associated with the inhibition of goblet cell maturation and enhanced crypt cell proliferation at the peak of L. intracellularis infection. Moreover, the apparent differential regulation of apoptosis between crypt and lumen cells together with the strong induction of Notch-1 signalling and the enhanced SOX9 expression along crypts 14 dpc suggest an expansion of actively dividing transit amplifying and/or absorptive progenitor cells and provide a potential basis for understanding the development and maintenance of PE.

Correlation of Lawsonia intracellularis semi-quantitative fecal polymerase chain reaction assay results with the presence of histologic lesions of proliferative enteropathy and positive immunohistochemical staining

The presence of Lawsonia intracellularis in swine feces is commonly confirmed using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine, on the basis of cycle-threshold (Ct) values for a given real-time PCR assay, the likelihood of positive fecal PCR results correlating with the presence of histologic lesions and positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tissues from the same submission. Sixty-three cases submitted from 2012 to 2014 were selected for analysis, with Ct values ranging from 16.94 to 37.66. There was a strong negative correlation between the Ct value of a positive PCR and the quantity of L intracellularis antigen detected by IHC. On the basis of these results, PCR Ct values &lt; 20.00 had a positive predictive value of 100% for the presence of proliferative lesions and L intracellularis antigen by IHC, and PCR Ct values &gt; 30.00 were associated with a negative predictive value of &gt; 95% for these variables. These data reveal a strong association between Ct values and the presence or absence of L intracellularis infection detectible by light microscopy, suggesting that specific ranges of Ct values carry strong predictive value for the presence or absence of porcine proliferative enteropathy.

Equine proliferative enteropathy on a Brazilian farm

Abstract:Lawsonia intracellularis infection on a horse farm in the Midwest region of Brazil is described. Thirty-nine foals a few days to months old from a herd with 300 horses, experienced diarrhea with variable characteristics and intensities, weight loss, hyperemic mucous membranes and dehydration. In foals 3 to 6 months of age, hypoproteinemia associated with submandibular edema were also common. Intestinal fragments of a 7-month-old foal were sent to an animal disease laboratory for diagnosis. The observed macroscopic lesions were hyperemic serosa, thickening of the intestinal wall with a corrugation, thickening of the mucosa folds and reduction of intestinal lumen. Histological analysis of the small and large intestine revealed enterocyte hyperplasia of the crypts associated with diffuse marked decrease in the number of goblet cells and positive L. intracellularis antigen labeling by immunohistochemistry. Three out of 11 animals of the same property were seropositive for L. intracellularis, demonstrating the circulation of the agent throughout the farm, but none were PCR positive in fecal samples. Based on clinical signs and pathological findings, the diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy was confirmed.

Serum folate, cobalamin, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid concentrations in pigs with acute, chronic or subclinical Lawsonia intracellularis infection

Lawsonia intracellularis is the causative agent of porcine proliferative enteropathy. The clinical presentation can be acute (i.e. proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy, PHE), chronic (i.e. porcine intestinal adenomatosis, PIA) or subclinical. In humans with chronic enteropathies, low serum folate (vitamin B9) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) concentrations have been associated with increased serum concentrations of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA), which reflect the availability of both vitamins at the cellular level. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum folate, cobalamin, homocysteine and MMA concentrations in serum samples from pigs with PHE, PIA or subclinical L. intracellularis infection, and in negative controls. Serum folate, cobalamin, homocysteine and MMA concentrations differed significantly among pigs in the PHE, PIA, subclinical and negative control groups. Serum folate concentrations in the PHE and PIA groups were lower than in the subclinical and negative control groups, while serum cobalamin concentrations were lower in the PIA group than in other groups. Serum concentrations of homocysteine were higher in the PHE, PIA and subclinical groups than in the negative control group. Serum concentrations of MMA were higher in the subclinical and PIA groups than in the control group. These data suggest that pigs infected with L. intracellularis have altered serum cobalamin, folate, homocysteine and MMA concentrations.

Sub-isotypic differences in the immunoglobulin G response to Lawsonia intracellularis in vaccinated, seropositive, and equine proliferative enteropathy-affected horses

In the horse, Lawsonia intracellularis infection results in equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). While upwards of 100% of weanlings on an endemic farm may seroconvert, only a small percentage (approximately 5%) will develop clinical disease. Cell-mediated immune mechanisms likely play a role in resistance to L. intracellularis and the absence of a L. intracellularis-specific IFN-γ response has been associated with the development of EPE. The goal of this study was to determine whether protection from clinical EPE is associated with the induction of a systemic IgG sub-isotypic response consistent with a Th1-type cytokine response. To describe their L. intracellularis/EPE status, horses enrolled in this study were placed into one of three categories: seropositive-only, vaccinated, and presumptive clinical EPE. An existing ELISA method was modified to detect L. intracellularis-specific IgG(a), IgG(b), and IgG(t) antibodies using the mouse anti-equine hybridomas CVS-48, CVS-39, and CVS-40, respectively. Additionally, the existing ELISA method was used to quantify total IgG antibodies specific for L. intracellularis for comparison between the groups. Total L. intracellularis-specific IgG was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in presumptive clinical EPE cases (n=21) when compared with seropositive (exposed but unaffected) (n=36) and vaccinated horses (n=27). Further, a similar pattern for IgG(a) was seen in that the presumptive clinical EPE horses had significantly more L. intracellularis-specific IgG(a) (p<0.05) than the seropositive or vaccinated horses. With IgG(b), however, the vaccinated horses had significantly more IgG(b) (p<0.05) than the presumptive clinical or seropositive horses. No L. intracellularis-specific IgG(t) was detected in samples from any of the groups. While the results presented here with respect to IgG(a) response in the presumptive clinical EPE group were expected, a higher concentration of IgG(a) was anticipated in the seropositive horses that failed to develop clinical disease as well as in the vaccinated horses. Future work utilizing newer reagents against a broader range of equine IgG sub-isotypes may provide additional information once these become commercially available.

Recent Advances in Understanding the Pathogenesis of Lawsonia intracellularis Infections

Proliferative enteropathy is an infectious disease caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium, Lawsonia intracellularis, and characterized by thickening of the intestinal epithelium due to enterocyte proliferation. The disease is endemic in swine herds and has been occasionally reported in various other species. Furthermore, outbreaks among foals began to be reported on breeding farms worldwide within the past 5 years. Cell proliferation is directly associated with bacterial infection and replication in the intestinal epithelium. As a result, mild to severe diarrhea is the major clinical sign described in infected animals. The dynamics of L. intracellularis infection in vitro and in vivo have been well characterized, but little is known about the genetic basis for the pathogenesis or ecology of this organism. The present review focuses on the recent advances regarding the pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction of L. intracellularis infections.

Lawsonia intracellularis infection and proliferative enteropathy in foals

Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) is a disease of foals caused by the obligate intracellular organism Lawsonia intracellularis. This organism is unique in that it causes proliferation of infected enterocytes, resulting in thickening of the intestinal epithelium, most often the small intestine. This disease affects mainly weanling foals and causes fever, lethargy, peripheral edema, diarrhea, colic and weight loss. The diagnosis of EPE may be challenging and relies on the presence of hypoproteinemia, thickening of segments of the small intestinal wall observed on abdominal ultrasonography, positive serology and molecular detection of L. intracellularis in feces. The epidemiology and genetic basis for pathogenesis for this disease is beginning to be elucidated. Phenotypic traits, genomic features, and gene expression profiles during L. intracellularis infection in vitro and in vivo are presented. In addition, this article reviews the epidemiology, pathological and clinicopathological findings, diagnosis, and control of EPE.

Cleaning and disinfection with Virkon S significantly reduces Lawsonia intracellularis survival and transmission to naive pigs

Lawsonia intracellularis infection was transmitted to naive pigs introduced into pens contaminated by pigs with proliferative enteropathy. However, cleaning pens with a pressure hose then disinfecting with potassium peroxymonosulfate was able to prevent transmission of infection in a second group of naive pigs.

Longitudinal evaluation of three commercial diagnostic assays for Lawsonia intracellularis infection in pigs

Veterinary RecordVolume 172, Issue 13 p. 341-341 Research Longitudinal evaluation of three commercial diagnostic assays for Lawsonia intracellularis infection in pigs A. Lebret DVM, Corresponding Author A. Lebret DVM a.lebret@chenevertconseil.com...

Changes in Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript-Like Immunoreactive (CART-LI) Nerve Structures of the Porcine Descending Colon During Proliferative Enteropathy

Abstract The distribution pattern of CART- like immunoreactive (CART-LI) nerve structures was studied by a double immunofluorescence technique in the circular muscle layer, myenteric (MP), outer submucous (OSP), and inner submucous plexuses (ISP), as well as in the mucosal layer of porcine descending colon under physiological conditions and during proliferative enteropathy (PE). In control animals, CART-LI perikarya have been shown to constitute 3.18 ±0.51%, 3.44 ±0.6%, and 3.33 ±0.72% in MP, OSP, and ISP, respectively. PE caused a decrease in the number of CART - LI neurons in MP and ISP. In OSP, the observed changes were not statistically significant. During PE, the number of CART-LI perikarya amounted to 2.18 ±0.27%, 3.07 ±0.06%, and 0.07 ±0.02% within MP, OSP, and ISP, respectively. Moreover, PE caused an increase in the number of CART-LI nerve fibers in the colonic circular muscle and mucosal layers as well as in MP. This study describes for the first time changes in CART-LI nerve structures of the porcine descending colon during Lawsonia intracellularis infection, and suggests the participation of this neuropeptide in the regulation of gut functions, not only under physiological conditions, but also during pathological processes.

Comparison of a commercial ELISA with an indirect fluorescent antibody test to detect antibodies to Lawsonia intracellularis in experimentally challenged pigs

The ability of a new commercial ELISA to detect pigs with subclinical proliferative enteropathy (PE) was compared with the traditional indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Serum samples were selected from pigs with known Lawsonia intracellularis infection status and clinical signs of PE, but the sample population consisted predominantly of pigs subclinically affected by PE. Significant association and agreement were shown between the ELISA and IFAT assays. ELISA results correlated well with the duration of L. intracellularis shedding as detected by polymerase chain reaction. ELISA can be successfully used to monitor L. intracellularis infection in pigs.