ABSTRACT
The objective of the present work was to detect Erysipelothrix spp in slaughtered pigs, from erysipelasvaccinated and nonvaccinated herds, developing nested PCR based on the amplification of the surface protective antigen (spa A) gene specific for E. rhusiopathiae. Samples of Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated from the tonsils of slaughtered pigs in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, respectively 13 (4.7%) from vaccinated (total of 275 tonsils examined) and 43 (43%) from nonvaccinated pigs (100 tonsils examined). Also 1 isolate from a skin lesion was obtained from the abattoir. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolated from vaccinated pigs (8 samples) were identified by phenotypic characteristics and by nested PCR. Identical results were obtained by serological classification, showing the usefulness of the molecular test. Nineteen strains isolated from nonvaccinated pigs were examined by serology and PCR. Results for both tests identified serotype 2 of E. rhusiopathiae in 9 samples, there being 7 nonreactors to the tests. Three isolates were positive only by PCR and negative by the immunodiffusion test.
KEY WORDS
Swine erysipelas;
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
; tonsils; vaccinated pigs; nested PCR
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