The paper presents the most recent data and opinions concerning Brucella (B.) suis and porcine brucellosis. Included are up-to-date results concerning the classification of the genus Brucella into 9 species, among them B. suis. Five biovars of this species are mentioned. Biovars 1, 2 and 3 (particularly 1 and 3) are highly pathogenic for swine and for humans. The source of infection for swine are, besides swine, wild boar and hare. The global distribution of swine brucellosis is presented with particular reference to the European Union member countries. Since at present with the closed system swine production in the EU B. suis infection is not diagnosed, the main goal of veterinary services is the complex action against the introduction of B. suis into the national swine herds. The main risk factors are: importing of infected pigs from abroad and transmission of B. suis from the wild boar or the hare to the domestic swine. In order to exclude these possibilities, besides available directives and instructions, diagnostic laboratory investigations are of crucial importance. In the paper direct and indirect tests for the identification of B. suis infection are described and assessed with respect to their diagnostic value. Concerning direct diagnostic tests, besides traditional assays based on phenotypic properties of the microorganism, several genotypic methods and among them particularly the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are characterized. Following this, indirect diagnostic methods, being serological tests used in the diagnosis of porcine brucellosis, are discussed. Their diagnostic value is evaluated, including the possibility of false positive and false negative reactions. The Brucellin allergic skin test, as a confirmatory test of the serological results, is presented. In conclusion it is stated that the present epizootic situation concerning porcine brucellosis in the EU member countries is satisfactory. In connection with this the importance of prophylactic activity of the veterinary services against transmission of B. suis infection to domestic pigs of this region is stressed.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.