Comparative efficacy of two parenteral iron-containing preparations, iron gleptoferron and iron dextran, for the prevention of anaemia in suckling piglets.

Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a serious health problem in neonatal piglets and is controlled by routine application of iron in various formulations. The efficacy and safety of two iron-containing products for the prevention of IDA in suckling piglets were compared in a randomised, parallel study. Newborn piglets were treated with 200 mg iron supplied by intramuscular injection in the neck as either Forceris (gleptoferron; n=13) or Uniferon 200 (iron dextran; n=12) 24-48 hours after birth.

Development and application of a recombinant protein-based indirect ELISA for the detection of serum antibodies against Cystoisospora suis in swine.

The apicomplexan parasite Cystoisospora suis which causes neonatal porcine coccidiosis is one of the predominant parasite in suckling piglets. Currently, the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) is the only available serological tool for detecting serum antibodies against C. suis which has several limitations, including bias from interpretation and low throughput.

Antibody and cytokine response to Cystoisospora suis infections in immune-competent young pigs.

Background: To date, investigations on the immune response to Cystoisospora suis infections focused on suckling piglets, the age group clinically most affected. Actively immunizing piglets is unfeasible due to their immature immune system and the typically early infection in the first days after birth. Therefore, understanding and possibly enhancing the immune response of immune-competent animals is the prerequisite to develop a passive immunization strategy for piglets which currently rely on very limited treatment options.

Comparison of an injectable toltrazuril-gleptoferron (Forceris®) and an oral toltrazuril (Baycox®) + injectable iron dextran for the control of experimentally induced piglet cystoisosporosis.

Background: Cystoisospora suis causes diarrhoeal disease and reduced weight gain in suckling piglets, and a toltrazuril-based oral suspension is available for treatment. Recently a combinatorial product with toltrazuril plus iron has been developed for parenteral application. In this study we compared the efficacy of the injectable product with the oral suspension against experimentally induced piglet cystoisosporosis.

Experimentally confirmed toltrazuril resistance in a field isolate of Cystoisospora suis.

Background: Constant treatment regimens with toltrazuril against Cystoisospora suis infection in piglets are being applied in the intensive production systems for the last two decades, but the possibility of resistance development has not been addressed so far despite limited availability of treatment alternatives. Recently, a pig producer in The Netherlands who routinely used toltrazuril complained about diarrhea in suckling piglets in the absence of bacterial and viral pathogens, and oocysts of C. suis could be isolated from feces of affected litters.