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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #65145
Title: EXPERIMENTAL CHLAMYDIAL ENTERITIS IN GNOTOBIOTIC PIGLETS

Author
item Andersen, Arthur
item ROGERS, DOUGLAS - UNIV. OF NE, LINCOLN, NE

Submitted to: US-Japan Coop Pgm on Dev and Util of Natural Products Abstracts Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/17/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Two distinct strains of chlamydia trachomatis were isolated from pigs with diarrhea. The role of these organisms as pathogens has not been established. The objective of the study was to determine if they are intestinal pathogens in gnotobiotic pigs. Chlamydial isolates R19 and R27 were selected as representatives of each of the strains. Three- to four- day old gnotobiotic piglets were fed 10**5 to 10**9 inclusion-forming unit (IFU) in sterile milk. All piglets developed diarrhea 4 to 5 days post- infection (DPI). Piglets fed 10**9 IFU became anorexic and weak and were necropsied 4 to 7 DPI. The piglets receiving 10**5 to 10**6 IFU were necropsied 4, 7, 10, 14, and 18 DPI. Histologically, ileum and jejunum from pigs receiving 10**9 IFU were characterized by severe villus atrophy and necrosis. Ileum and jejunum from piglets receiving 10**5 and 10**6 IFU were characterized by mild to severe villus atrophy at days 7 and 10 post- infection. Chlamydiae were reisolated from all infected piglets through day 14 post-infection. The results indicate that chlamydiae are intestinal pathogens in pigs and that they can produce a severe transient enteritis.