Characterisation of acid–base abnormalities in pigs experimentally infected with Chlamydia suis

This study characterises the acid–base abnormalities in pigs experimentally infected with Chlamydia suis (Henderson–Hasselbalch equation and Constable’s simplified strong ion equation). Eight pigs were challenged with the respiratory pathogen C. suis and four pigs served as non-infected controls. Pigs were monitored from 7 days before challenge to 8 days post-inoculation. Clinical examination was performed twice daily and venous blood samples were collected every two days. Blood-gas analysis, haemoxymetry, serum biochemical analysis and electrophoresis were performed in order to characterise the acid–base derangement. Aerosol challenge with C. suis resulted in severe acid–base disturbance characterised by acute respiratory acidosis and strong ion (metabolic) acidosis secondary to anaerobic metabolism and hyper L-lactataemia. Maximal changes were seen at day 3 post-inoculation when severe clinical signs of respiratory dysfunction were evident. The results of the study provide new information regarding the pathophysiology of respiratory infection caused by C. suis and the applicability and diagnostic utility of different approaches for assessing acid–base status in pigs.