Gross and microscopic lesions in porcine fetuses infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Diagnosis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-induced reproductive failure in swine is difficult because of the rapid inactivation of virus in fetuses that have died prior to abortion or farrowing. In this report, we describe gross and microscopic lesions of diagnostic value found in fetuses transplacentally infected with PRRSV during late gestation. Seven sows free of PRRSV-specific antibody and 1 sow (#8) that had been previously infected with PRRSV were oronasally exposed to a PRRSV inoculum at or about 90 days of gestation (DG). One control sow (#9) was oronasally exposed to a sham inoculum at 90 DG. Sows were euthanized 21 days postexposure, and fetuses were tested for virus. Transplacental infection was detected in litters 1-7, and gross lesions of the umbilical cord were observed in some fetuses in 6 of the 7 litters. No transplacental infection or fetal lesions were found in litters 8 and 9. The gross lesions in the umbilical cords ranged from segmental hemorrhagic areas 1-2 cm in length to a full length involvement of the cord, which was grossly distended with frank hemorrhage. All live fetuses that had gross lesions in the umbilical cord were viremic, and histopathologic examination revealed a necrotizing umbilical arteritis with periarterial hemorrhage. This was the most consistent microscopic lesion in fetuses infected with PRRSV. Sows 1-7 had endometritis and myometritis of various degrees, suggesting PRRSV also may induce these lesions. Careful gross and microscopic examination of the umbilical cord may aid in the diagnosis of PRRSV-induced reproductive failure.