NAVLE Urinary

Porcine Cystitis Study Guide

Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder, and represents one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in sows within commercial swine operations.

Overview and Clinical Importance

Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder, and represents one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in sows within commercial swine operations. The porcine cystitis-pyelonephritis complex is a leading cause of sow mortality, with reported death rates exceeding 12% in severely affected herds. This condition primarily affects multiparous sows, particularly those in parity 6 and above, and is strongly associated with confinement housing systems.

The condition develops through ascending bacterial infection from the lower urinary tract. Understanding the etiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of porcine cystitis is essential for NAVLE success and practical swine veterinary practice.

High-YieldActinobaculum suis is the PRIMARY specific pathogen in porcine cystitis-pyelonephritis complex, while Escherichia coli is the most common opportunistic organism. Remember: A. suis produces urease, creating alkaline urine (pH 8-9) that promotes struvite crystal formation.
Organism Characteristics Clinical Notes
Escherichia coli Gram-negative rod, aerobic Most common isolate (69%); pyuria common; frequent urination
Streptococcus spp. Gram-positive cocci Environmental contaminant; ascending infection
Staphylococcus spp. Gram-positive cocci Some species urease-positive
Trueperella pyogenes Gram-positive rod Associated with systemic infections; renal abscesses

Etiology and Pathogen Characteristics

Primary Pathogen: Actinobaculum suis

Actinobaculum suis (formerly Eubacterium suis or Corynebacterium suis) is the primary specific urinary pathogen in swine. Key characteristics include:

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