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The objective of this study was to investigate the association of PCV2 infection on the pathological lesions
occurring in the reproductive organs of boars. For this purpose the reproductive organs of culled boars (n = 38) including testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and superficial inguinal lymph nodes were collected from slaughter houses in western part of Thailand. The organs were grossly examined and collected for histopathology and the inguinal lymph nodes were subjected to PCV2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR). According to prominent macroscopic lesions of the male reproductive organs, samples were separated into two groups; Group 1 having edema of the epididymal heads (n = 20) and Group 2 grossly look normal on the epididymal heads (n = 18).
The results revealed many interesting lesions found in the group having edema of the epididymal heads including lymph node enlargement (4/20, 20%), lymphoid depletion (5/20, 25%), testicular fibrosis (100%, 20/20), testicular degeneration (15/20, 75%). Interestingly, in the non-edema group, the lymph nodes were normal in size but a few having lymphoid depletion (4/18, 22.22%). Testicular fibrosis was less seen (12/20, 66.67%) but similar numbers were observed for testicular degeneration (14/18, 77.78%). PCR revealed positive results for PCV2 in both groups with 45% (9/20) in group 1 and 72.22% (13/18) in group 2, respectively.
The striking lesion found in the boar reproductive organs was edema of the epididymal head. This edematous lesion may be associated with PCV2 infection as it was found in boars with PCV2 infection. Edema
of epididymis particularly seen at the head of epididymis and spermatic cord has previously been reported in a boar with PCV2 infection. However, only 45% of those pigs with epididymal edema were positive for PCV2 detection while 72.22% of pigs in the other group were positive for PCV2. Our data indicated that edema of the epididymides does not always cause by PCV2 infection in boars. However, more tests are needed to support these observations. IHC should be done to confirm if the PCV2 antigen was present in the reproductive organs. Detecting PCV genome from the inguinal lymph nodes may not reflex on the reproductive lesions.
K. Teankum, T. Antarasena, K. Buapijit, C. Sansanga, S. Lacharoje, R. Thanawongnuwech. The impact of PCV2 infection on male reproductive organs of boars. 6th International Symposium on Emerging and Re-emerging Pig Diseases.
