Toxoplasmosis of Suckling Piglets Supposed Congenital Infection

Abstract

In June, 1986, a pregnant pig (one of seven breeding pigs on a farm) gave birth to eleven piglets, four of which were stillborn. Subsequently, it was found that this sow had been anorexic during pregnancy. Of the seven remaining piglets, three exhibited weakness, emaciation and an awkward gait and all three died before they were fifteen days old. At the autopsy dark red and white spots were found in the lungs, liver, kidneys and lymph nodes. On histopathological examination, nonpyogenic encephalitis, serous catarrhal pneumonia, and characteristic necrotic lesions of the lymph nodes and liver were revealed. Using the enzyme-antibody method (Avidin Biotin Complex method) and the Giemsa stained stamp smears method, Toxoplasma gondii was found in the brain, lungs, liver and lymph nodes. Toxoplasma antibody examination revealed the pig had a titre of 1,024.