What organism is responsible for edematous and shiny lesions in the small intestines of pigs?

The organism responsible for edematous and shiny lesions in the small intestines of pigs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), specifically the enterotoxigenic strain. This strain produces toxins that can lead to a condition known as edema disease, primarily affecting weaned pigs. The disease is characterized by heavy fluid accumulation in the intestines, resulting in the edematous appearance and shiny lesions.

In this context, E. coli causes significant damage to the intestinal lining, leading to changes such as alteration of the permeability of the gut wall, which contributes to fluid accumulation and edema. This pathological change manifests visually as shiny lesions in the affected areas of the intestine.

Other organisms listed may cause gastrointestinal issues in pigs, but they do not typically present with the specific shiny and edematous lesions associated with E. coli. Salmonella, for example, is usually associated with inflammation and necrosis rather than edema. Coccidia primarily cause enteritis and diarrhea but do not produce the same edematous lesions. Clostridium perfringens can cause enterotoxemia and necrotic enteritis but, again, does not typically result in the specific presentation seen with E. coli infection. Thus, E. coli is the definitive