CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mh) is the causative agent of swine enzootic pneumonia (SEP), which main clinical sign is non-productive coughing. However, for accurate diagnosis, complementary laboratory techniques are necessary to Mh detection. The knowledge of the dynamics is a prerequisite for providing efficient treatment and controlling. The aim of this study was to implement a diagnostic methodology to determine the Mh and SEP dynamics in a herd. It was conducted in a 1300-sows, two site herd without any vaccination schedule against Mh. Clinimetric parameters were measured and nasal swab were taken to detect Mh by PCR. For detection of antibodies against Mh by ELISA (Idexx), blood samples were taken. The coughing index exceeded the 2.5% from 8 to 12 weeks old sampling, reaching peaks at 9 and 11 weeks old, whereas the seroconversion is observed starting at 7 weeks old, and PCR allows to Mh detection early at 4 weeks old until 15 weeks. The coughing index values (greater than 2.5%) coupled with the high proportion of pig with cough observed suggest that in this particular farm the main clinical impact of SEP was taking place in pigs from 8 to 12 weeks old, whereas coughing index remained below the threshold after this period. Seroconversion and high proportion of ELISA positives allow Mh indirect detection more delayed than PCR and clinical sign observation, however the ELISA results in latest samplings (100% in 18-22 weeks old pigs), toghether with PCR results suggest that non-productive cough is due to Mh presence in this herd. In conclusion, the combination of clinimetry and PCR allowed an accurate knowing of the dynamic of SEP and Mh in a herd, essential for a successful disease prevention and control.

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