Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome
Thomson, J.; Henderson, L.; Meikle, C.; MacIntyre, N.
Veterinary Record 148(9): 282-283
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 11292095 Document Number: 537532
Findings concerning porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) arising from surveillance work in Scotland are reported. Approx. 8% of pig herds in Scotland have experienced cases of PDNS over the past 10 years. Typically, sporadic cases have occurred within herds over an 8- to 12-week period, usually affecting less than 0.5% of growing and/or finishing pigs, and thereafter cases cease. In 4 herds, there has been a recurrence of PDNS after intervals of 2 or 3 years. Bacterial cultures from 20 cases of PDNS presented for necropsy from different units showed that Pasteurella multocida was the most frequently isolated potential pathogen. Immunohistochemical studies for P. multocida antigen were carried out on kidneys from 30 cases of PDNS (which included the 20 cases in the bacteriology study). 26 cases showed positive staining of P. multocida-specific antigen, primarily in the tubular epithelium of the renal cortex. These studies do not prove that P. multocida is the cause of PDNS, but they provide further evidence of an association between this organism and the disease, and, in particular, with renal lesions.