Safety, efficacy, and duaration of immunity induced in swine by use of an avirulent live Salmonella choleraesuis-containing vaccine

An avirulent live Salmonella choleraesuis culture (SC-54) was evaluated for use as an effective vaccine in preventing salmonellosis caused by S choleraesuis in pigs. Eighty-two pigs, 3 to 4 weeks old, were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups, which were designated as either vaccinates or controls. After vaccination, all pigs were examined for fecal shedding of S choleraesuis, rectal temperature, and 10 clinical variables. Significant difference was not detected between vaccinated and nonvaccinated pigs for 14 days (phase I) after intranasal administration of the vaccine. Efficacy and duration of immunity were examined by intranasally challenge exposing respective pigs from either treatment group with a virulent field isolate of S choleraesuis at 2, 8, or 20 weeks after vaccination (phases II-IV). Pigs were again evaluated for 14 days after challenge exposure, and 10 clinical variables and rectal temperature were monitored. Surviving pigs were euthanatized and evaluated for gross lesions, and samples of 7 organs were collected. These organ samples were homogenized, and level of S choleraesuis infection was determined. After virulent challenge exposure during phases II-IV, the clinical status of the SC-54 vaccinates was significantly (P < 0.05) superior to that of nonvaccinates for rectal temperature, feces consistency, behavior, appetite, body condition, and mean score for the 10 clinical variables. Quantitative bacteriologic culture of the tonsil, lung, liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, ileum, and colon samples indicated consistent reduction of organ colonization in vaccinates; bacteria numbers in the mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs, and ileum were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced. Gross lesions in pigs indicated reduction of pneumonia in vaccinates. Pigs also had consistent weight gain throughout all phases of the study after challenge exposure, although the differences were not significant. In conclusion, a single intranasally administered dose of SC-54 given to 3- to 4-week-old pigs proved to be safe and efficacious and to provide protection to pigs at least 20 weeks after initial vaccination.