Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in Pigs: Evidence of a Carrier State
Author Information
Author(s): Teresa Rodríguez-Calvo, Fayna Díaz-San Segundo, Marta Sanz-Ramos, Noemí Sevilla
Primary Institution: Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Spain
Hypothesis
Does foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) establish a carrier state in pigs similar to that observed in ruminants?
Conclusion
The study suggests that FMDV can persist in pigs, particularly in lymphoid tissues, indicating a potential carrier state.
Supporting Evidence
- FMDV RNA was detected in pig tissues for up to 17 days post-infection.
- Infectious virus was isolated from lymphoid tissues even after viremia was cleared.
- Specific infectivity of FMDV RNA remained high in tonsils at 14 days post-infection.
Takeaway
This study found that pigs can carry the foot-and-mouth disease virus for a long time, even after they seem healthy.
Methodology
Twenty pigs were infected with FMDV and monitored for viral RNA and infectivity in various tissues over 17 days.
Limitations
The study only observed the pigs for 17 days, and further research is needed to confirm long-term persistence.
Participant Demographics
Twenty Large White × Landrace female pigs, 9 weeks old, clinically healthy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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