Association of a Pasteurella haemolytica-like organism with enteritis in swine

Department of Pathology, Breathitt Veterinary Center, Murray State University, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

A Pasteurella haemolytica-like organism was isolated from the intestines of 28 swine with clinical, gross, or microscopic evidence of enteritis. In 15 cases, other known enteric pathogens were also demonstrated, and in 13 cases, no other pathogens were detected. The mean age of affected animals was 44 days. Most of the animals had clinical evidence of diarrhea. Gross enteric lesions were present in 17 of 21 cases. Microscopic lesions were present in 24 of 26 cases. A diffuse or segmental moderate to severe necrotizing enteritis was the most common lesion in cases in which only the Pasteurella haemolytica-like organism was isolated. Biochemical tests gave results consistent with Pasteurella haemolytica, and 5 of 15 isolates met criteria for biotype A. Negative results were found with an indirect haemagglutination procedure for P. haemolytica.