7 recent advances in understanding Lawsonia

07-12-2020 | Specials | Article

When pigs from infected and naïve flows are co-mingled at the end of the nursery, infected pigs can triple within the population every week. Photo: B.v.d.Wense

The gram-negative bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis has been known as an important agent responsible for economic losses in the swine business for many years, as the bacteria causes ileitis. Yet scientists continue to discover new insights about the bacteria, which in turn can help to better prepare for it, e.g. by implementing routine control measures. The agent responsible for ileitis, Lawsonia intracellularis (Li) is an intracellular gram-negative bacteria that infects the enterocytes (the c