Detection of Lawsonia intracellularis in a dog with inflammatory bowel disease using nested PCR and serology

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and serological examinations were used to detect the presence of Lawsonia intracellularis in a two and a half years old German smooth-coated cocker spaniel with clinical symptoms of chronic diarrhoea and histologically proven inflammatory bowel disease. Fourteen rectal swabs taken over a period of two weeks and eight biopsy specimens taken over a period of six months were used for laboratory examinations. Using the nested PCR, the DNA of L. intracellularis was found in a total of 2 cases, i.e. one rectal swab and one biopsy specimen of the duodenum six months later. The species specificity of the nested PCR product was confirmed by sequencing. The presence of specific IgG antibodies against L. intracellularis was demonstrated by the IFAT in five samples of blood serum taken over a period of seven months.