PCV2 Associated Myocarditis and Vasculitis in Growing Pigs
Abundant intracytoplasmic PCV2 antigen was associated with myocardiocyte swelling or necrosis, or myocardial fibrosis (or both) in three naturally-infected pigs aged 4 to 7 weeks from three different farms (Opiessnig et al., 2006). Marco (2002) reported of cardiomegaly, especially on the right side of the heart with pericardial effusion in Spanish pigs naturally affected by PMWS. PCV2-associated myocarditis was found to be the primary cause of congestive heart failure in these cases (Marco, 2002).
Severe diffuse segmental to circumferential lymphohistiocytic and plasmacytic periarteritis and endarteritis in several organs was observed in a pig naturally infected with PCV2 (Opriessnig et al., 2006). PCV2 antigen was demonstrated in endothelial cells and inflammatory cells in the arterial walls.
References:
Marco E: PMWS control – European style. In: Proc Swine Disease Conf Swine Pract, Ames, Iowa. 10:83-90, 2002
Opriessnig T, Janke BH, Halbur PG: Cardiovascular lesions in pigs naturally or experimentally infected with porcine circovirus type 2. J Comp Pathol. 134:105-110, 2006
