PCR for the quantitation of Pneumocystis in lavage samples from pigs

What is it about?

We established a method for the detection and quantitation of the fungus Pneumycystis carinii in lavage samples from pigs. Pneumocystis carinii is an opportunistic fungus, which is adapted to the lungs of various mammals. Pigs are predisposed for polymicrobial respiratory diseases, which can come along with immunosuppression. Immunosuppression is a prerequisite for proliferation of the fungus. In the past, the impact of Pneumocystis on respiratory disorders has not been comprehensively appraised because tests were limited to lung tissue samples and, for this reason, it was not possible to detect the fungus in living animals. In the present study, we tested lavage and oral fluid. Oral swab sampling of individual pigs was intended but failed in several pigs because they did not salivate sufficiently. In contrast to the lavage fluid results, all oral fluid samples were negative. As a conclusion, only lavage fluid can be recommended as a useful tool for Pneumocystis herd monitoring in vivo.

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Why is it important?

Now it is possible to investigate the impact of Pneumocystis on respiratory disorders, because a method for testing living animals is available.

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