Preliminary findings of a previously unrecognized porcine primary immunodeficiency disorder
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Abstract
Weaned pigs from a line bred for increased feed efficiency were enrolled in a study of the role of host genes in the response to infection with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). However, 4 of the pigs were euthanized early in the study due to weight loss with poor body condition and illness; 2 pigs, before PRRSV infection, and the other 2, approximately 2 weeks after virus inoculation. The 2 inoculated pigs failed to produce PRRSV-specific antibodies. Gross findings included pneumonia, absence of a detectable thymus, and small secondary lymphoid tissues. Histologically, lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, and Peyer’s patches were sparsely cellular with decreased to absent T and B lymphocytes.