Gut edema and the F18 pilus: pathogenesis and laboratory findings

摘要

There are several excellent descriptions of the clinical and pathological features of gut edema (reviewed by Sojka, 1965, and Bertschinger and Gyles, 1994). The disease is caused by specific pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, and derives its name from the massive edema of the submucosa frequently seen along the greater curvature of the stomach of affected pigs. Edema is also frequently seen at other sites, including the subcutaneous tissues of the eyelids and forehead, the colonic mesentery, larynx, and the brain. These findings are responsible for the disease also being known as edema disease. Histological lesions consist of vascular endothelial cell and arteriolar smooth muscle damage as well as perivascualr edema in affected tissues. Clinically, disease may occur as an outbreak or as sporadic cases and is characterized by sudden deaths, inappetence, swelling of the eyelids, peculiar squealing, and evidence of central nervous system disturbance such as incoordination and stupor. Respiratory distress is a common terminal sign. There is no effective treatment but methods are available to prevent the disease.