Genotype profiles of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolated from pigs in Vojvodina, Serbia

Background: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A. pleuropneumoniae) is one of the most important bacterial respiratory pathogens. It is the only etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia (PPP) or it appears as a secondary bacterial infection in the swine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). In Serbia, apart from the identification of serotype 2, no tests have been performed to establish the presence of other A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes in the pig population. The aim of this study was to perform genotyping of A. pleuropneumoniae isolates originating from pig farms in Serbia by apx genes and using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). Materials, Methods & Results: Isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae examined in this study were obtained from lungs with macroscopically visible alterations characteristic of a A. pleuropneumoniae. A total of 46 isolates were examined. They were extracted from the lung tissue samples of pig carcasses from 9 farms across different parts of Serbia. Genotyping of isolates was performed in the previously described manner. Briefly, 5 pairs of oligonucleotide primers were used for amplification of 4 different apx genes which encode synthesis of exotoxins (ApxI , ApxII , ApxIII i ApxIV) characteristic for all A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes and biovars. Amplification of appropriate genome parts was performed with a reaction chain polymerase (PCR) in multiplex (m) format using appropriate diagnostic kits to extract DNA from bacteria and perform mPCR reaction. The results of genotyping of 46 isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae indicate the existence of a large number of different serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae on the studied farms or that different serotypes of this microorganism circulate in the pig population in Serbia. In addition to the detection of dominant serotype 2, which was established on 7 farms, of which in 4 farms it was the only detected serotype, in the examined pig population the presence of serotypes 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 was also found. Furthermore, the presence of 2 different serotypes of A. Pleuropneumoniae was also detected on 3 farms; on the first farm serotypes 2 and 3, on the second farm serotypes 2 and 6, and on the third farm serotypes 2 and 7. Discussion: Although the research was done with a relatively small number of isolates of A. pleuropneumoniae, comparing the obtained results with the results on the presence and prevalence of appropriate serotypes from other countries, we concluded that there is significant diversity of this pathogen in the pig population in farms of Serbia. Detection of different serotypes of A. pleuropneumoniae in the pig population and the presence of several different serotypes on 1 farm was established for the very first time in Serbia. All isolates from our study can be characterized as highly virulent, considering that the clinical symptoms, pathological findings and the results of bacteriological examination indicated A. pleuropneumoniae to be the cause of animal death. Like in the neighbouring countries, the strongly pathogenic serotype 9 and the less pathogenic serotype 2 are the most frequently identified causative agents of porcine pleuropneumonia in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. The necessity to establish the presence of all A. pleuropneumoniae serotypes in the pig population, and in particular to determine the presence of different serotypes on individual farms, is crucial for several reasons: making a definitive e diagnosis; development of prophylactic strategies for medicines; implementation of immunoprophylactic vaccination.

Effects of ketoprofen administration on relation between acute phase proteins and metabolic parameters in cows during early lactation

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPs) are clinically useful parameters for measuring the occurrence and severity ofinflammatory responses in cattle. As large group of proteins, APPs are mainly secreted by hepatocytes whose concentrationincrease or decrease as response to tissue injury, inflammation or infection. The transition from late pregnancy to earlylactation is associated with a compromised immune status coupled with increased acute phase response. Non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in treatment of inflammatory conditions. The main objective of the presentstudy was to analyze the effects of a preventive administration of the NSAID (ketoprofen) in post-calving dairy cows onconcentration of APPs (haptoglobin and fibrinogen) and their relationship with indicators of liver function.Materials, Methods & Results: The treatment group (n = 15) was given an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen in theconcentration of 3 mg/kg during three consecutive days after calving. The control group (n = 15) was not treated withketoprofen. Blood samples were taken from coccygeal vein, on the first day of treatment and in the first and second weekpostpartum and they were analyzed for metabolic parameters (albumin and aspartat aminotransferaze) and APPs such ashaptoglobin and fibrinogen. Compared with control, ketoprofen administration decrease the levels of haptoglobin and fibrinogen and AST activity. Increase in albumin concentration was recorded in experimental group of cows compared withcontrol. Negative correlations (P < 0.01) were found between the haptoglobin concentration and albumin concentrationand aspartate aminotransferaze activity. Discussion: As inflammatory indicator in dairy cows, it is recorded that serum concentrations of haptoglobin is increasedduring mastitis. Beside haptoglobin, fibrinogen represents one of the APPs whose serum concentration increases during response in the acute phase. During the first and second week...

Effects of ketoprofen administration on relation between acute phase proteins and metabolic parameters in cows during early lactation

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPs) are clinically useful parameters for measuring the occurrence and severity ofinflammatory responses in cattle. As large group of proteins, APPs are mainly secreted by hepatocytes whose concentrationincrease or decrease as response to tissue injury, inflammation or infection. The transition from late pregnancy to earlylactation is associated with a compromised immune status coupled with increased acute phase response. Non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in treatment of inflammatory conditions. The main objective of the presentstudy was to analyze the effects of a preventive administration of the NSAID (ketoprofen) in post-calving dairy cows onconcentration of APPs (haptoglobin and fibrinogen) and their relationship with indicators of liver function.Materials, Methods & Results: The treatment group (n = 15) was given an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen in theconcentration of 3 mg/kg during three consecutive days after calving. The control group (n = 15) was not treated withketoprofen. Blood samples were taken from coccygeal vein, on the first day of treatment and in the first and second weekpostpartum and they were analyzed for metabolic parameters (albumin and aspartat aminotransferaze) and APPs such ashaptoglobin and fibrinogen. Compared with control, ketoprofen administration decrease the levels of haptoglobin and fibrinogen and AST activity. Increase in albumin concentration was recorded in experimental group of cows compared withcontrol. Negative correlations (P < 0.01) were found between the haptoglobin concentration and albumin concentrationand aspartate aminotransferaze activity. Discussion: As inflammatory indicator in dairy cows, it is recorded that serum concentrations of haptoglobin is increasedduring mastitis. Beside haptoglobin, fibrinogen represents one of the APPs whose serum concentration increases during response in the acute phase. During the first and second week...(AU)

Age-associated and breed-associated variations in haematological and biochemical variables in Mangalitsa, Mangalitsa×Durock and Large White Pig

Background: Research of hematologic and biochemical parameters in pigs is of great importance considering the factthat pigs are used as a model in research of different health disorders in humans. There are many different breeds of pigsthat have different health, productive and biologic characteristics that need to be studied. Hematologic and biochemicalvalues can vary dependent on presence of inflammation and infection. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of breed, age and their interactions on hematologic and biochemical parameters on blood of mangalitsa, mangalitsax durock and Large White pig.Materials, Methods & Results: Experiment included 10 litters of mangalitsa, white variety, mated with mangalitsa boar,10 mangalitsa litters, and white variety inseminated with durock boar and litters of great Large White inseminated withgreat Yorkshire boar. Six groups, each include 10 animals were formed and their blood was sampled (3 breeds and 2 agecategories). Age groups were formed according to moment of blood sampling. First sample was taken in moment of 30 ±5 kg of body weight. Second sample was taken when body weight was 100 kg for hematological analysis. Samples weretaken with BD Vacutainer®. Complete classic blood analysis and leucocytes formulas were done by hematology analyzerADVIA 120 Hematology Siemens, Germany. Biochemical analysis was done by biochemical analyzer A15 BioSystemwith their standard colorimetric reagents. Concentration of total protein, albumin, urea, creatinin, cholesterol, total bilirubin, AST and ALT were determined. Globulin concentration was calculated. Results have showed that hematologic andbiochemical parameters are influenced by breed, age and their interaction as: total leukocyte number (age, breed x age),neutrophils number (age, breed), number of monocytes and platelets (age, breed x age), eosinophils...

Age-associated and breed-associated variations in haematological and biochemical variables in Mangalitsa, Mangalitsa×Durock and Large White Pig

Background: Research of hematologic and biochemical parameters in pigs is of great importance considering the factthat pigs are used as a model in research of different health disorders in humans. There are many different breeds of pigsthat have different health, productive and biologic characteristics that need to be studied. Hematologic and biochemicalvalues can vary dependent on presence of inflammation and infection. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of breed, age and their interactions on hematologic and biochemical parameters on blood of mangalitsa, mangalitsax durock and Large White pig.Materials, Methods & Results: Experiment included 10 litters of mangalitsa, white variety, mated with mangalitsa boar,10 mangalitsa litters, and white variety inseminated with durock boar and litters of great Large White inseminated withgreat Yorkshire boar. Six groups, each include 10 animals were formed and their blood was sampled (3 breeds and 2 agecategories). Age groups were formed according to moment of blood sampling. First sample was taken in moment of 30 ±5 kg of body weight. Second sample was taken when body weight was 100 kg for hematological analysis. Samples weretaken with BD Vacutainer®. Complete classic blood analysis and leucocytes formulas were done by hematology analyzerADVIA 120 Hematology Siemens, Germany. Biochemical analysis was done by biochemical analyzer A15 BioSystemwith their standard colorimetric reagents. Concentration of total protein, albumin, urea, creatinin, cholesterol, total bilirubin, AST and ALT were determined. Globulin concentration was calculated. Results have showed that hematologic andbiochemical parameters are influenced by breed, age and their interaction as: total leukocyte number (age, breed x age),neutrophils number (age, breed), number of monocytes and platelets (age, breed x age), eosinophils...(AU)

Comparison of the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide and salt for control of fungal infections on brown trout (Salmo trutta) eggs

Background: Fungal infections can cause serious problems infecting fish eggs, especially unfertilized or dead eggs. In the past, this problem was solved by using very effective chemicals such as malachite green and formalin. But, due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity, malachite green was banned for use in fish intended for human consumption. Formalin also has been banned in most countries. Chemicals and drugs recommended for use to treat fungal infections are hydrogen peroxide, salt, potassium permanganate etc. The goal of the present study was to determine and compare the efficacy of antifungal effects of hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride on brown trout eggs.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted in the brown trout hatchery, Šipovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The experimental groups contained 500 and 1,000 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide with 15 and 30 min of exposition; 1 and 2.5% of sodium chloride with 15 and 30 min of exposition and a negative control group (no chemical treatment). The treatment concentrations were calculated and prepared from hydrogen peroxide of 35% active ingredient, and sodium chloride (sterilized) of 100% active ingredient. Eggs for the study were spawned from 11 females and 4 males. The first treatment was performed on the fourth day, and each next treatment was performed at 3-day intervals. Six treatments were administered until the 19th day after the fertilization. The treatment of the eggs was provided until the eggs reached the eyed stage. The effectiveness of the chemical treatments was measured by a hatch rate. There was a significant difference between all treated groups and the negative control group (P < 0.05). Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 500 mg/L for 30 min was the most effective and demonstrated a higher hatching rate (75.7%). Sodium chloride treatments resulted in statistically significantly lower hatching rates than hydrogen peroxide treatments.[...]

Comparison of the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide and salt for control of fungal infections on brown trout (Salmo trutta) eggs

Background: Fungal infections can cause serious problems infecting fish eggs, especially unfertilized or dead eggs. In the past, this problem was solved by using very effective chemicals such as malachite green and formalin. But, due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity, malachite green was banned for use in fish intended for human consumption. Formalin also has been banned in most countries. Chemicals and drugs recommended for use to treat fungal infections are hydrogen peroxide, salt, potassium permanganate etc. The goal of the present study was to determine and compare the efficacy of antifungal effects of hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride on brown trout eggs.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted in the brown trout hatchery, Šipovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The experimental groups contained 500 and 1,000 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide with 15 and 30 min of exposition; 1 and 2.5% of sodium chloride with 15 and 30 min of exposition and a negative control group (no chemical treatment). The treatment concentrations were calculated and prepared from hydrogen peroxide of 35% active ingredient, and sodium chloride (sterilized) of 100% active ingredient. Eggs for the study were spawned from 11 females and 4 males. The first treatment was performed on the fourth day, and each next treatment was performed at 3-day intervals. Six treatments were administered until the 19th day after the fertilization. The treatment of the eggs was provided until the eggs reached the eyed stage. The effectiveness of the chemical treatments was measured by a hatch rate. There was a significant difference between all treated groups and the negative control group (P < 0.05). Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 500 mg/L for 30 min was the most effective and demonstrated a higher hatching rate (75.7%). Sodium chloride treatments resulted in statistically significantly lower hatching rates than hydrogen peroxide treatments.[...](AU)

Effects of iron administration method on anemia prevention and production performance of piglets

Background: Anemia caused by iron deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to infection, lower production performance and higher mortality rates. Modern piglets grow rapidly, as within a few days of birth they double their body weight, thereby increasing blood volume. This increasing amount of blood naturally increases the requirement for hemoglobin (Hb) production, each molecule of which contains iron. This study examined the impact of different an iron application method on hematological values of iron (Fe), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and production performance of piglets in the suckling and nurturing stages. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed on two farrow-to-finish farms (I and II) of capacities of 2500 and 900 sows, respectively. Piglets were divided into four experimental groups: the IM group was given iron intramuscularly on the third day of life; the SC group was given iron subcutaneously on the third day of life; the PO group was given iron perorally on the third day of life; and the control group C was not given any iron. On the third day of life and at weaning (day 28) piglets body weights were measured and their blood was taken for analysis, while at the end of the nurturing stage (day 70), only body weights were measured. The influence of the farm was tested, as well as the impact of the day of blood sample collection and the [...](AU)

Effects of iron administration method on anemia prevention and production performance of piglets

Background: Anemia caused by iron deficiency can lead to increased susceptibility to infection, lower production performance and higher mortality rates. Modern piglets grow rapidly, as within a few days of birth they double their body weight, thereby increasing blood volume. This increasing amount of blood naturally increases the requirement for hemoglobin (Hb) production, each molecule of which contains iron. This study examined the impact of different an iron application method on hematological values of iron (Fe), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and production performance of piglets in the suckling and nurturing stages. Materials, Methods & Results: The study was performed on two farrow-to-finish farms (I and II) of capacities of 2500 and 900 sows, respectively. Piglets were divided into four experimental groups: the IM group was given iron intramuscularly on the third day of life; the SC group was given iron subcutaneously on the third day of life; the PO group was given iron perorally on the third day of life; and the control group C was not given any iron. On the third day of life and at weaning (day 28) piglets body weights were measured and their blood was taken for analysis, while at the end of the nurturing stage (day 70), only body weights were measured. The influence of the farm was tested, as well as the impact of the day of blood sample collection and the [...]

Importance of breeding pigs in the spread of Salmonella on farms

Background: Pigs infected with Salmonella represent a high risk for contamination and cross-contamination of carcasses with Salmonella from feces, tonsils and mesenteric lymph nodes, which occurs on the slaughter line. The environment itself represents a potential source of infection, as it is Salmonella infection of other individuals in the herd (sows, boars, piglets, fattener pigs). One of the leading sources of infection is contaminated feed for pigs, or its ingredients. If an infection occurs at any stage and category of production, those individual animals can become a potential source of infection for all others on farm. Materials, Methods & Results: This study examines the importance of breeding categories of pigs in the spread of salmonellosis in piglets and fattener pigs on seven farrow-to-finish farms in Serbia. From each farm, 30 sows, 121 boars and 90 piglets were tested from the weaning to the time of dispatch to the slaughterhouse. Pigs were examined for the presence of Salmonella-specific antibodies in blood sera and the presence of Salmonella in feces. Pigs feed on the farms were also examined for the presence of Salmonella. The identification of serotypes was conducted according to the Kauffmann-White scheme. For antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance testing, isolates were tested by disc diffusion against a panel of 11 antimicrobials. The numbers...(AU)

Importance of breeding pigs in the spread of Salmonella on farms

Background: Pigs infected with Salmonella represent a high risk for contamination and cross-contamination of carcasses with Salmonella from feces, tonsils and mesenteric lymph nodes, which occurs on the slaughter line. The environment itself represents a potential source of infection, as it is Salmonella infection of other individuals in the herd (sows, boars, piglets, fattener pigs). One of the leading sources of infection is contaminated feed for pigs, or its ingredients. If an infection occurs at any stage and category of production, those individual animals can become a potential source of infection for all others on farm. Materials, Methods & Results: This study examines the importance of breeding categories of pigs in the spread of salmonellosis in piglets and fattener pigs on seven farrow-to-finish farms in Serbia. From each farm, 30 sows, 121 boars and 90 piglets were tested from the weaning to the time of dispatch to the slaughterhouse. Pigs were examined for the presence of Salmonella-specific antibodies in blood sera and the presence of Salmonella in feces. Pigs feed on the farms were also examined for the presence of Salmonella. The identification of serotypes was conducted according to the Kauffmann-White scheme. For antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance testing, isolates were tested by disc diffusion against a panel of 11 antimicrobials. The numbers...

Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia / Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Baka District (farms 1 and 2), North Baka District (farm 3) and Branievo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20C until assayed. The sera samples

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Baka District (farms 1 and 2), North Baka District (farm 3) and Branievo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20C until assayed. The sera samples

Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Backa District (farms 1 and 2), North Backa District (farm 3) and Branicevo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20°C until assayed. The sera samples were tested by the Western Blot test with recombinant protein MSG1 (p40). Production of recombinant protein MSG1 (p40), dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were performed as previously described by Hoelzle. Specific IgG antibodies to MSG1 of M. suis were identified in 20 of the 46 samples tested, giving a total seroprevalence of 43.47%. The M. suis-specific antibody response was detected in pigs from all tested farms, within farm seroprevalences of 54.54% on farm 1; 27.27% on farm 2; 36.36% on farm 3 and 53.84% on farm 4. Discussion: Reports on the prevalence of swine infected with Mycoplasma suis in other countries are rare, but have been communicated for USA, Brazil, Japan, Portugal, China and Germany. Previously published values of the prevalence of the pigs infected with haemoplasmas in Serbia, determined through a microscopic examination of the peripheral blood smear according to Giemsa was 39% and with Acridine orange was 47%. These prevalences are similar to the overall prevalence found in this study (43.47%). In this present study, the prevalence of M. suis in the farm pigs studied in Serbia (43.47%) was higher than the serological evidence of the infection reported in pigs in the USA, Brazil and Japan, but lower than the prevalence in sows in Portugal and China. In this present study, the prevalence of M. suis on the studied pig farms in Serbia (43.47%) was more similar to results obtained in Germany, where M. suis infections were detected in 79 out of 196 pig farms (40.3%) by employing a quantitative real-time LightCycler PCR. Also, M. suis was detected in 36 out of 359 wild German boars (10.03%) with similar methodology. Our seroprevalence of anti-M. suis IgG in farmed pigs is probably higher than that in wild boar because of the conditions of intensive breeding on pig farms, but perhaps this may also be partly due to the different geographic locality, and/or to different analytical methods. This overall determined seroprevalence of 43.47% from a small sample within a relatively small area suggests a signifi cantly higher presence of infection on pig farms in Serbia, and hence, significantly more economic losses in pig production than could be expected based on the worldwide reports of M. suis prevalence.

Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia / Findings of antibodies to Mycoplasma suis on swine farms in Serbia

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Baka District (farms 1 and 2), North Baka District (farm 3) and Branievo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20C until assayed. The sera samples

Background: Hemoplasmas are eperythrocytic procaryotes, including Mycoplasma species which were recently transferred from the genera Eperythrozoon and Haemobartonella, based on their similarity of the 16S rRNA sequences, and newly identified hemotropic mycoplasmas. Eperythrozoonosis of pigs is caused by the haemotrophic bacterium M. suis, and the disease has a worldwide distribution. The disease manifests as a severe and often fatal acute febrile icteroanemia, mainly in piglets, pregnant sows before parturition and fattening pigs exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IgG to M. suis in swine populations in Serbia, using a Western Blot test with the recombinant protein MSG1. Materials, Methods & Results: Four farms were chosen to represent the main swine-producing geographic regions of Serbia, including South Baka District (farms 1 and 2), North Baka District (farm 3) and Branievo District (farm 4). A total of forty-six clinically healthy pigs, age 8-20 weeks, were included in the study. Blood samples from pigs randomly selected from the four farms were collected by jugular vein puncture into serum vacutainer tubes with clot activator. After clotting at room temperature for 1 h, blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g, for 15 min at room temperature. Sera were carefully harvested and stored at -20C until assayed. The sera samples