Age Groups Of Pigs Research Articles

Validation of a Demography-Based Adaptive QTc Formula using Pediatric and Adult Datasets Acquired from Humans and Guinea Pigs.

A variety of QT rate-correction (QTc) formulae have been utilized for both clinical and research purposes. However, these formulae are not universally effective, likely due to significant influences of demographic diversity on the QT-HR relationship. To address this limitation, we proposed an adaptive QTc (QTcAd) formula that adjusts to subject demographics (i.e., age). Further, we compared the efficacy and accuracy of the QTcAd formula to other widely used alternatives. Using age as a demographic parameter, we tested the QTcAd formula across diverse age groups with different heart rates (HR) in both humans and guinea pigs. Utilizing retrospective human (n=1360) and guinea pig electrocardiogram (ECG) data from in-vivo (n=55) and ex-vivo (n=66) settings, we evaluated the formula's effectiveness. Linear regression fit parameters of HR-QTc (slope and R²) were utilized for performance assessment. To evaluate the accuracy of the predicted QTc, we acquired epicardial electrical and optical voltage data from Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts. In both human subjects and guinea pigs, the QTcAd formula consistently outperformed other formulae across all age groups. For instance, in a 20-year-old human group (n=300), the QTcAd formula successfully nullified the inverse HR-QT relationship (R²=5.1E-09, slope=-3.5E-05), while the Bazett formula (QTcB) failed to achieve comparable effectiveness (R²= 0.20, slope=0.91). Moreover, the QTcAd formula exhibited better accuracy than the age-specific Benatar formula (QTcBe), which overcorrected QTc (1-week human QT: 263.8±14.8 ms, QTcAd: 263.8±7.3 ms, p=0.62; QTcBe: 422.5±7.3 ms, p<0.0001). The optically measured pseudo-QT interval (143±22.5 ms, n=44) was better approximated by QTcAd (180.6±17.0 ms) compared to all other formulae. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the QTcAd formula was not inferior to individual-specific QTc formulae. The demography-based QTcAd formula showed superior performance across human and guinea pig age groups, which may enhance the efficacy of QTc for cardiovascular disease diagnosis, risk stratification, and drug safety testing. Corrected QT (QTc) is a well-known ECG biomarker for cardiovascular disease risk stratification and drug safety testing. Various QT rate-correction formulae have been developed, but these formulae do not perform consistently across diverse datasets (e.g., sex, age, disease, species). We introduce a novel QTc formula (QTcAd) that adapts to demographic variability, as the parameters can be modified based on the characteristics of the study population. The formula (QTcAd = QT + (|m|*(HR-HR mean )) - includes the absolute slope (m) of the linear regression of QT and heart rate (HR) and the mean HR of the population (HR mean ) as population characteristics parametersˍUsing datasets from both pediatric and adult human subjects and an animal model, we demonstrate that the QTcAd formula is more effective at eliminating the QT-HR inverse relationship, as compared to other commonly used correction formulae.

Parasites burden in peri-urban free-roaming pigs in Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Parasite infections, unlike regulated animal diseases, do not often receive attention. In fact, parasites are major sources of financial losses in pig enterprises, particularly in subsistence and small-scale pig production systems. To identify and quantify the prevalence of ecto- and endo-parasites among peri-urban free-roaming pigs (FRP) in Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mpumalanga. Pig owners were identified using the snowball sampling method since no sampling frame for FRP farmers exists. Stratified sampling was used to select pigs for sampling for ecto- and endo-parasites. A form was used to record the observations. Pairwise correlation analysis was performed using Stata 15.0. The SPSS V28.0 statistical package was used to perform the chi-square test (X2) to assess the distribution of parasites in different age groups. The prevalence of parasites was assessed in different age groups of pigs using multi-response crosstabs. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to estimate the marginal mean of parasites according to municipality. Statistical significance was assessed at α ≤ 0.05. Over 90% (91.2%) of the pigs examined were infested with at least one parasite, including Haematopinus suis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Ascaris suum, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris suis, Strongylids, Coccidia spp, Moniezia expansa, and Siphonaptera spp. The correlation between Ascaris suum and body condition was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.24; p < 0.05). Policy makers, animal researchers and veterinary services must focus on developing policies, risk communication and community engagement materials, which target pig farmers in peri-urban areas such as Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.

Regional Cross-Sectional Based Study and Associated Risk Factors of Porcine Circovirus 2 in Nigerian Pigs

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is a swine viral pathogen of substantial economic importance in pig farming globally. However, large-scale surveillance is needed to determine its prevalence and associated risk factors in the Nigerian pigs. We conducted molecular-based surveillance and mapping of PCV2 in southwest Nigeria to assess its prevalence and spatiality. Six hundred forty-eight individual fecal samples were collected from the different age groups of pigs from 67 farms in three southwest states. The polymerase chain reaction technique was used to screen the samples with a specific primer pair. The viral prevalence was determined at individual animal and farm levels. Overall, 145 out of 648 samples (22.4%) and 49/67 farms (73.1%) tested positive for PCV2. The highest prevalence of PCV2 was observed in Oyo State (63/185, 34.1%) and in growers (66/145, 45.5%). Restricting visitors’ entrance to the farm was found to be strongly protective for PCV2 (AOR 0.122; p = 0.007 ; 95% CI; 0.027–0.564), while not having a quarantine protocol (AOR 4.445; p = 0.041 ; 95% CI; 1.067–18.5280) and reporting coccidiosis as a common disease encountered (AOR 14.340; p = 0.007 ; 95% CI; 2.094–98.203) on the farm were significant risk factors identified to be associated with the presence of PCV2. This study revealed a higher prevalence of PCV2 in Nigerian swine herds than expected and presented significant spatial clustering of infection in the studied region. It has also highlighted the risk factors driving its spread in the studied area. The research findings underscore the need for a policy decision to promote PCV2 vaccination in the country, which is currently not in place. The availability and use of the PCV2 vaccines, in addition to effective biosecurity measures, will help to mitigate the virus and its associated diseases in the country for sustainable and profitable pig farming, which holds vast potential in solving the problem of hunger and poverty.

Use of conventional PCR for the detection of the African Swine Fever virus in apparently healthy traditional and semi-modern pig farms in Chad

Objective: The objective of this work is to detect the ASF virus genome in the carcasses and viscera of apparently healthy pigs slaughtered at different slaughter sites in Chad. Material and method: The study was conducted over a period of 12 months from September 2021 to September 2022 in the provinces of Chari Baguirmi, Mayo Kébbi East and N’Djamena. It began with two censuses. A first census among 492 farmers who had already recorded ASF and then a second census on 26 slaughter areas in the study area. A total of 50 organs were collected and analyzed by the conventional PCR technique for the detection of viral DNA. The data from the interviews as well as the molecular biology results were analyzed with the R Studio software. Results: The results of this study revealed a prevalence viral which varies from 13.33% to 52.17% from one province to another. In cities and sub-prefectures, the prevalence was between 22.22% to 57.14% and 16.66% to 40% varied from one city to another. The prevalence in the arrondissements was between 38.46% to 70% as well as in the cantons and it was from 0% to 50%. The study also revealed that variations in the detection of ASF virus DNA are linked to types of breeding, age groups of pigs, gender of animals, breed, general and physiological condition of animals before slaughter. The prevalence of viral genome detection in organs ranged from 25.19% to 50.19% Conclusion: This work has shown that the ASF virus replicates quietly in some pig farms in Chad, despite the absence of apparent clinical signs. The presence of this virus in farms is maintained by the inadequacy of biosecurity measures and poor farming practices, but above all the lack of a slaughter area dedicated to this sector.

Comparative analysis of the pig gut microbiome associated with the pig growth performance.

There are a variety of microorganisms in the animal intestine, and it has been known that they play important roles in the host such as suppression of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, modulation of the gut immunity. In addition, the gut microbiota and the livestock growth performance have long been known to be related. Therefore, we evaluated the interrelation between the growth performance and the gut microbiome of the pigs from 3 different farms, with pigs of varied ages ready to be supplied to the market. When pigs reached average market weight of 118 kg, the average age of pigs in three different farms were < 180 days, about 190 days, and > 200 days, respectively. Fecal samples were collected from pigs of age of 70 days, 100 days, 130 days, and 160 days. The output data of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing by the Illumina Miseq platform was filtered and analyzed using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology (QIIME)2, and the statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Analysis of Metagenomic Profiles (STAMP). The results of this study showed that the gut microbial communities shifted as pigs aged along with significant difference in the relative abundance of different phyla and genera in different age groups of pigs from each farm. Even though, there was no statistical differences among groups in terms of Chao1, the number of observed operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and the Shannon index, our results showed higher abundances of Bifidobacterium, Clostridium and Lactobacillus in the feces of pigs with rapid growth rate. These results will help us to elucidate important gut microbiota that can affect the growth performance of pigs.

Changes in intestinal morphology, number of mucus-producing cells and expression of coronavirus receptors APN, DPP4, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in pigs with aging

Porcine enteric viral infections cause high morbidity and mortality in young piglets (<3 weeks). Later, these rates decrease with age. This age-dependent infectivity remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the changes in intestinal morphology, number of mucus-producing cells and expression level of coronavirus receptors in three age groups of pigs. Villus height and crypt depth increased with age from 3 days to 3 months in duodenum and ileum but not in mid-jejunum, where the villus height decreased from 580 µm at 3 days to 430 µm at 3 months. Enterocyte length-to-width ratio increased from 3 days to 3 months in all intestinal regions. The number of mucus-producing cells increased with age in the intestinal villi and crypts. The Brunner’s glands of the duodenum contained the highest concentration of mucus-producing cells. The expression of coronavirus receptor APN was highest in the small intestinal villi at all ages. DPP4 expression slightly decreased over time in jejunum and ileum; it was highest in the ileal villi of 3-day-old piglets (70.2% of cells). ACE2 and TMPRSS2 positive cells increased with age in jejunal and ileal crypts and were particularly dominant in the ileal crypts (> 45% of cells). Except for the expression of DPP4 in the jejunum and ileum of young pigs, the expression pattern of the selected coronavirus receptors was very different and not correlated with the age-dependent susceptibility to viral infections. In contrast, the number of mucus-producing cells increased over time and may play an essential role in protecting enteric mucosae against intestinal viruses.

Yield, cell composition, and function of islets isolated from different ages of neonatal pigs.

The yield, cell composition, and function of islets isolated from various ages of neonatal pigs were characterized using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Islets from 7- and 10-day-old pigs showed significantly better function both in vitro and in vivo compared to islets from 3- and 5-day-old pigs however, the islet yield from 10-day-old pigs were significantly less than those obtained from the other pigs. Since islets from 3-day-old pigs were used in our previous studies and islets from 7-day-old pigs reversed diabetes more efficiently than islets from other groups, we further evaluated the function of these islets post-transplantation. B6 rag-/- mouse recipients of various numbers of islets from 7-day-old pigs achieved normoglycemia faster and showed significantly improved response to glucose challenge compared to the recipients of the same numbers of islets from 3-day-old pigs. These results are in line with the findings that islets from 7-day-old pigs showed reduced voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channel activity and their ability to recover from post-hypoxia/reoxygenation stress. Despite more resident immune cells and immunogenic characteristics detected in islets from 7-day-old pigs compared to islets from 3-day-old pigs, the combination of anti-LFA-1 and anti-CD154 monoclonal antibodies are equally effective at preventing the rejection of islets from both age groups of pigs. Collectively, these results suggest that islets from various ages of neonatal pigs vary in yield, cellular composition, and function. Such parameters may be considered when defining the optimal pancreas donor for islet xenotransplantation studies.

Co-stimulation by TLR7/8 ligand R848 modulates IFN-γ production of porcine γδ T cells in a microenvironment-dependent manner

Gamma-Delta (γδ) T cells represent a prominent lymphocyte subset in pigs. Their role and function, however, remains largely unknown. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are key receptors for the recognition of pathogens, but so far, it is unknown if porcine γδ T cells express TLRs and therefore have the innate ability to recognize pathogens through pattern recognition receptors. In this study, we compared γδ T cells in different age groups of pigs and investigated the functional relevance of TLR7/8 expression. We found that the major γδ T cell phenotype shifts from CD2−CD8α−/dimCD27+ in young pigs to CD2+CD8αhighCD27− in 3-year-old pigs impacting their ability to produce IFN-γ upon cytokine and TLR stimulation. Furthermore, we report that stimulation with TLR7/8 ligand R848 increased IFN-γ production in purified γδ T cells upon co-stimulation with IL-2 and IL-12. However, the effect of R848 as a co-activator of γδ T cells was abrogated by the addition of monocytes or within PBMCs, suggesting that γδ T cells respond to multiple direct and indirect stimulations. Thus, our results indicate that γδ T cells express TLRs, are modulated by TLR7/8 ligand R848 and have subset-specific responses.

Anatomical patterns of kidney structure in yorkshire pigs in the age aspect

The Yorkshire pig breed was bred in the 19th century by the English farmer Joseph Tooley and presented at the agricultural exhibition in Windose in 1851. Pig breeders immediately appreciated this breed on merit for its calm disposition and unpretentious lifestyle, feeding and maintenance. Farmer Joseph Tuley decided to assign the name of the breed immediately, and in particular to link it with his county - Yorkshire. The Yorkshire pig was the result of crossing representatives of the white Leicester and Chinese and English long-eared. Farmer Joseph Tuley decided to breed a new bacon breed, which became the goal of his life and brought him fame and an impressive income. Yorkshire piglets were brought to Russia only in the post-war years and immediately became quite popular. Currently, this breed of pig ranks fourth in the world in terms of prevalence and popularity. There are about 1.5 million individuals of this breed of pigs in the Russian Federation. Currently, diseases of pigs associated with the urinary tract are very widespread. The causes of this pathology can be infectious microorganisms, injuries of various etiologies, metabolic disorders and vascular apparatus of the organs of the urinary system. This can lead to the occurrence of diseases such as nephritis, nephrosis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis. Without knowledge of anatomical and topographic features of the structure of the organs of the urinary system, it is problematic to diagnose diseases and pathologies, as well as to carry out timely treatment. The purpose of our study was to study the anatomical patterns of kidney structure in Yorkshire pigs in the age aspect. The material for the study was three age groups of pigs - newborns 1-7 days (early neonatal period); piglets 10-14 days (neonatal period); piglets 20-28 days (late neonatal period) weighing from 2000 to 3500 g. To achieve this task, a complex of traditional anatomical research methods was used: fine anatomical dissection, photographing and morphometry. During the study, it was found that the kidneys of Yorkshire pigs are located in the retroperitoneal space. Topographically, the right and left kidneys are located at the same level under 1-4 lumbar vertebrae. The kidneys of male Yorkshire piglets are much larger and larger in absolute and relative terms than those of females. The study also found that the maximum kidney growth in Yorkshire pigs in the observed period ranged from 10-14 to 20-28 days of age.

Molecular Characterization of Entamoeba spp. in Pigs with Diarrhea in Southern China.

Simple SummaryChina is an important country in the world for pig breeding and pork consumption, yet only two provinces have reported Entamoeba spp. infections. In this study, fecal samples of pigs with diarrhea were collected from three provinces in southern China, and Entamoeba spp. infection was detected by nested PCR. The results showed that the total infection rate was 58.4%. Entamoeba polecki and Entamoeba suis were detected. The ST1 and ST3 subtypes of Entamoeba polecki were detected, and a relatively serious mixed infection was found, with the most common form of mixed infection being Entamoeba polecki ST1 + Entamoeba polecki ST3. These findings provide baseline data for preventing and controlling Entamoeba spp. infection in southwestern China.Entamoeba spp. is a common zoonotic intestinal protozoan that can parasitize most vertebrates, including humans and pigs, causing severe intestinal diseases and posing a serious threat to public health. However, the available data on Entamoeba spp. infection in pigs are relatively limited in China. To characterize the infection of Entamoeba spp. within pigs in southern China, 1254 fecal samples of diarrheic pigs were collected from 37 intensive pig farms in Hunan, Jiangxi and Fujian provinces and the infection of Entamoeba spp. was investigated based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall infection rate of Entamoeba spp. was 58.4% (732/1254), including 38.4% (118/307) in suckling piglets, 51.2% (153/299) in weaned piglets, 57.9% (55/95) in fattening pigs and 73.4% (406/553) in sows, respectively. Moreover, age and the sampling cities in Jiangxi and Fujian provinces were found to be the key factors influencing the infection of Entamoeba spp. (p < 0.05). Two subtypes (ST1 and ST3) with a zoonotic potential of Entamoeba polecki and Entamoeba suis were detected in all age groups of pigs and all sampling areas, with the predominant species and predominant subtype being E. polecki (91.3%, 668/732) and E. polecki ST1 (573/668), respectively, and E. polecki ST1 + E. polecki ST3 (78.6%, 239/304) being the most frequently detected form of mixed infection. Severe Entamoeba spp. infection and zoonotic subtypes were found in this study, exposing a large public health problem in the study area, and strategies need to be implemented to eliminate the risk in the future.

МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЯ МАЛИХ СВИНОФЕРМ ІЗ ЗАМКНУТИМ ЦИКЛОМ ВИРОБНИЦТВА ПРОДУКЦІЇ

The purpose of the research is to assess the relevance of modernization of small pig farms with a closed production cycle. Research methods. Analytical research on the relevance of modernization of small pig farms with a closed production cycle was carried out by the method of processing existing scientific and informational reports. Research results. When organizing pork production at the farm level, the most important measures should be on the production flow, formation of homogeneous technological groups of pigs, herd reproduction, sow keeping, quality of feed rations, creating a proper microclimate, compliance with production technology. One of the main factors holding back the growth of pork production is the lack of feed, their low quality and the constant shortage of digestible protein in feed rations for pigs. The existing premises of small pig farms do not fully meet modern requirements for the maintenance of various technological groups of pigs. The further development of pig farming requires important issues related to sanitary protection zones, animal welfare and environmental protection. It is important to ensure biosafety in pig farming and to implement appropriate veterinary practices and standards. In most pork farms, the genetic potential of domestic pig breeds is now used for reproductive qualities by only 45-50 %, and for fattening by 20-25 %. In the system of qualitative improvement of the breeding stock of farms, the disadvantage is the unsystematic use of reared young pigs, 70% of the products are sold to meat processing plants. When modernizing small pig farms with a full cycle of pork production, among other things, it is necessary to take into account the size and resource characteristics of basic farms to achieve high efficiency of production. Conclusions. According to the results of analytical studies, for the first time the urgency of modernization of small pig farms with a closed production cycle was assessed. The constant shortage of digestible protein in feed rations for pigs is holding back the increase in pork production. Premises of small pig farms do not meet modern requirements for keeping different sex and age groups of pigs. In general, biosecurity and the implementation of good veterinary practices and standards are important in pig farming. There is a low level of realization of the genetic potential of domestic breeds of pigs. The disadvantage should be considered the unsystematic use of raised young. During the modernization of small pig farms, it is necessary to take into account the resource characteristics of farms to achieve high efficiency of pork production. Key words: production, small pig farms, modernization, modern requirements, pig breeding, pork.

Impact of stress on the functioning of the immune system, swine health, and productivity

Stress can affect many aspects of the body, including the immune response, and stress factors are an inherent element in the life of animals in intensive production, such as pigs. Major pathways involved in these interactions are associated with the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) axis and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. This review is focused on the effects of various stress factors described so far on the swine immune system. The literature data presented here indicate that the effect of stress factors depends not only on the duration and severity of stress, but also on the animal’s temper. Stress, through its influence on the immune system, strongly influences the digestive tract of pigs such as response to pathogens, microbiome disturbance and influence on appetite. Thus, long-term stress has negative effects on the animal’s development, including a high rate of morbidity and mortality, an increase in the feed conversion rate (FCR), and, important in intensive production, weight differentiation of the same age groups of pigs. Therefore, the role of stress and the immune system itself in the production of pigs should not be underestimated. Any decrease in animal stress is crucial.

Isolation and molecular characterization of GP5 glycoprotein gene of Betaarterivirus suid 2 from Mizoram, India.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a serious swine disease causing great economic impact worldwide. The emergence of highly pathogenic strains in Asian countries is associated with large scale mortality in all age groups of pigs besides the classical presentation of severe respiratory distress, pneumonia, and a series of reproductive disorders in sows, like late-term abortion, premature farrowing, and an increased number of stillborn piglets. The present study was designed with the aim of isolation and characterization of the Betaarterivirus suid 2 from outbreaks in Mizoram in primary porcine alveolar macrophage and subsequently characterized the GP5 gene sequence of the isolate in terms of phylogenetic analysis and deduce amino acid sequence comparison. Virus propagation was performed in the porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) primary cell culture and confirmed by immunoperoxidase test, FAT, and nested RT-PCR. The full-length GP5 gene (603nt) was amplified from the isolate and subsequently cloned and sequenced (MN928985). Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison of the present isolate was found to have similarity 98.7–98.8% with Myanmar HP-PRRS strains, 98–98.5% with Vietnam strains, 98.2–98.3% with China strains, indicating a close lineage with highly pathogenic PRRS strains. In deduced amino acid sequence analysis, one mutation was found in the primary neutralizing epitope (PNE) at position 39L → I39 and one more mutation was also found in the decoy epitope (DCE) at position 30 N → D30. The amino acid at this position is an N-linked glycosylation site, and mutation of the N-linked glycosylation is an immune escaped strategy adopted by this virus causing a persistent infection in the natural host.

Risk assessment of toxic hydrogen sulfide concentrations on swine farms

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas, causing many lethal accidents in farming environment. Until now, the understanding of the interactive impact of different variables on hydrogen sulfide concentrations on swine farms has been limited. The risk of high hydrogen sulfide concentrations has not yet been assessed comprehensively. The main goal of this study is to identify and investigate the variables, which significantly influence hydrogen sulfide concentrations, and to assess the risk of exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide concentrations on swine farms. A generalized linear model was built to show the intertwining impact of different variables, and, on the basis of this model, sensitivity analysis, stress tests and Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to thoroughly assess the risk of exposure to dangerous hydrogen sulfide concentrations. Use of generalized linear models and risk assessment tools is a novelty in this context. The model results show that the most significant variables are the location of sample origin, manure disturbance, pig age, weight and diet. If hydrogen sulfide is measured outside a barn, the concentration is up to 47-times lower than inside a barn. Hydrogen sulfide concentration increases by a factor of 7 if manure is pumped during the observation period. Operations with growing pigs have the highest expected hydrogen sulfide concentrations in comparison to other pig age groups. Risk assessment analysis additionally reveals that certain combinations of variable values result in lethal hydrogen sulfide concentrations, and that the likelihood of such scenarios can reach 0.69%.

Porcine Coronaviruses: Overview of the State of the Art

Like RNA viruses in general, coronaviruses (CoV) exhibit high mutation rates which, in combination with their strong tendency to recombine, enable them to overcome the host species barrier and adapt to new hosts. It is currently known that six CoV are able to infect pigs. Four of them belong to the genus Alphacoronavirus [transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TEGV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV)], one of them to the genus Betacoronavirus [porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV)] and the last one to the genus Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV). PHEV was one of the first identified swine CoV and is still widespread, causing subclinical infections in pigs in several countries. PRCV, a spike deletion mutant of TGEV associated with respiratory tract infection, appeared in the 1980s. PRCV is considered non-pathogenic since its infection course is mild or subclinical. Since its appearance, pig populations have become immune to both PRCV and TGEV, leading to a significant reduction in the clinical and economic importance of TGEV. TGEV, PEDV and PDCoV are enteropathogenic CoV and cause clinically indistinguishable acute gastroenteritis in all age groups of pigs. PDCoV and SADS-CoV have emerged in 2014 (US) and in 2017 (China), respectively. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for controlling CoV infections and preventing them from spreading. Since vaccines are available only for some porcine CoV, prevention should focus mainly on a high level of biosecurity. In view of the diversity of CoV and the potential risk factors associated with zoonotic emergence, updating the knowledge concerning this area is essential.

Distribution and main biological properties of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa isolates in pig farms of Krasnodar region

Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas aeruginosa are widespread microorganisms in pig breeding enterprises of the region, and due to virulent factors and pathogenic properties, in the etiological aspect, it poses a significant threat to the body of various sex and age groups of pigs. In the form of a monoculture, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 14.7% of cases, in association with other microorganisms - in 85.2%, and the highest proportion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was manifested in association with Escherichia coli (47.8%), microorganisms that cause the clinic of gastrointestinal diseases in piglets during suckling and weaning periods. A feature of the epizootic manifestation of pseudomonosis in pigs in the conditions of industrial pig breeding is enzootic outbreaks. In 79.9% of cases, growth is accompanied by the formation of a water-soluble pigment of the phenotazine series pyocyanin on selective nutrient media in isolate colonies, in 80-83 % of cases, on MPA with 5 % defibrinated blood, Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonies cause hemolysis zones. Biochemical activity of P. aeruginosa cultures showed low-expressed biochemical properties, they assimilated glucose and arabinose, galactose to the formation of acid, decomposed urea, had proteolytic properties, liquefied gelatin and peptonized milk for 72 hours, showed phosphatous activity, did not form indole and H2S, cultures producing exotoxin A, with intraperitoneal infection of laboratory animals show maximum toxigenic properties. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates exhibit plasma-coagulating and agesive activity. The obtained results of studying the main biological properties of P. aeruginosa isolates can be used for diagnostic studies and anti-epizootic measures in the region.

Histochemical studies on cerebral and cerebellar cortices of pig (Sus scrofa)

The histochemical aspects of cerebral and cerebellar cortices were studied in Large White Yorkshire cross-bred pigs at different age groups. The neuronal cells and neuropil of cerebral neocortex, the neuropil and Purkinje cell layer of cerebellar cortex showed positive for PAS, Alkaline phosphatase and Acid phosphatase activities in all age groups of pigs. However the PAS, Alkaline phosphatase and Acid phosphatase activity was stronger in finisher age group. Negative Alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices of preweaner age group. The amount of fat deposition in cerebral and cerebellar cortices was more in the finisher age group when compared to preweaner pigs.

A molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 3 using oral fluid, faeces and serum

BackgroundPorcine circovirus type 3 is the most recently discovered porcine circovirus, and an emerging pathogen. In this study the status of its presence on some Slovenian farms is reported. The effectiveness of the vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was assessed against porcine circovirus type 3.Group samples of oral fluid, faeces and individual serum samples were taken from six different pig categories and tested for presence of viral DNA, using both real time and conventional PCR. Positive samples were subjected to direct Sanger sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed and compared to GenBank PCV3 sequences.ResultsPositive samples were sent for genome sequencing, which confirmed the presence of virus in all different pig categories on five farms. A high to moderate correlation of strong statistical significance was found between individual serum samples, oral fluid and faeces. Slovenian PCV3 was found to be distributed in a way similar to that of other countries. Slovenian PCV3 nt sequences are highly related, sharing more than 99.5% nt identity. On one farm a commercially available vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 was used on 3-week-old pigs. It did not affect the presence of porcine circovirus type 3 in oral fluid or sera of any of the seven age groups of pigs, each with two control groups.ConclusionsThe results constitute the first discovery of the virus in Slovenia. Genome sequencing has revealed a high degree of similarity between Slovenian and GenBank isolates.

First Report on the Occurrence and Subtypes of Blastocystis in Pigs in Poland Using Sequence-Tagged-Site PCR and Barcode Region Sequencing.

Blastocystis is an enteric microorganism commonly found in humans and animals worldwide. Its pathogenic role in humans and transmission patterns has not been fully explained. However, nine subtypes (ST1–8, ST12) are considered as potentially zoonotic. Studies from various regions of the world show that pigs are mainly infected with ST5. Although pigs are important farmed animals in Poland, the question of Blastocystis infection in these animals has not yet been investigated. Herein, 149 pig stool samples from 10 Polish pig farms were analyzed using sequence-tagged-site PCR and barcode region sequencing. The percentage of samples in which Blastocystis was identified using each method separately was similar: 38.25% and 37.58%, respectively. However, the percentage of positive results obtained by combining both methods was 46.97%, which means that, depending on the method used, the number of undetected samples varied between 8.72% and 9.39%. This shows the methodological limitations of up-to-date molecular approaches commonly used in Blastocystis research. A moderate infection rate (44.4–50%) observed in different pig age groups with a vital predominance of ST5 (94.28%) in every age group shows that pigs are a likely natural host of ST5. A small percentage of mixed infections, namely ST5/ST1 (5.26%), ST5/ST3 (1.75%), and ST3/ST1 (1.75%), was observed only in animals of older age, suggesting that ST3 and ST1 can be acquired by pigs during contact with humans. This study provides the first data on the prevalence and Blastocystis subtypes (STs) distribution in pigs in Poland. The results also highlight the need for the development of new methods capable of detecting highly genetically diverse Blastocystis isolates and mixed infections.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of MRSA across different pig age groups in an intensive pig production system in Australia.

This observational study aimed to determine MRSA prevalence using strain-specific real-time PCR at the pig level, stratified by age groupings, within a pig enterprise. A total of 658 samples were collected from individual pigs (n=618) and the piggery environment (n=40), distributed amongst five different pig age groups. Presumptive MRSA isolates were confirmed by the presence of mecA, and MALDI-TOF was performed for species verification. All isolates were tested against 18 different antimicrobials. MRSA was isolated from 75.2% (95% CI 71.8-78.6) of samples collected from pigs, and 71% of the MRSA isolates from this source were identified as community-associated (CA)-MRSA ST93, while the remainder were livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA ST398. Amongst environmental isolates, 80% (CI 64.3-95.7) were ST93 and the remainder ST398. All MRSA isolates from pigs and the environment were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, linezolid, mupirocin, rifampicin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, teicoplanin and vancomycin. Phenotypic rates of resistance were penicillin (100%), clindamycin (97.6%), erythromycin (96.3%), ceftiofur (93.7%), chloramphenicol (81.2%), tetracycline (63.1%) and amoxicillin-clavulanate (63.9%). A low prevalence of resistance (9.2%) was observed against neomycin and quinupristin-dalfopristin. The probability of MRSA carriage in dry sows (42.2%) was found to be significantly lower (p<.001) when compared to other age groups: farrowing sows (76.8%, RR1.82), weaners (97.8%, RR 2.32), growers (94.2%, RR 2.23) and finishers (98.3%, RR 2.33). Amongst different production age groups, a significant difference was also found in antimicrobial resistance for amoxicillin-clavulanate, neomycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Using the RT-PCR assay adopted in this study, filtering of highly prevalent ST93 and non-ST93 isolates was performed at high throughput and low cost. In conclusion, this study found that weaner pigs presented a higher risk for CA-MRSA and antimicrobial resistance compared to other age groups. These findings have major implications for how investigations of MRSA outbreaks should be approached under the One-Health context.