Soike D, Albrecht K, Mankertz A, Domingo M, Segalès J (2000): Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) beim Schwein
Tierärztl. Prax. 28 (G): 110-115.

Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), a recently described infectious disease in pigs, has been diagnosed in Northern America, Spain, France, Northern Ireland, Denmark and Germany so far. Clinical signs appear in the postweaning period. Weight loss and respiratory disorders characterize the chronic course of the disease. Generalized lymphadenopathy and pneumonia are the most prominent pathological characteristics. PMWS is caused by a novel porcine circovirus (PCV-2) that shows significant genetic and antigenic differences to the known PCV-1, which is considered to be nonpathogenic. Electron microscopic examination of lymphoreticular tissue from wasting pigs, grossly and microscopically suspicious for PMWS, repeatedly revealed circovirus-like particles. Using in situ hybridisation PCV-DNA was detectable. The viruses were characterized as PCV-2 by PCR. First diagnostic experiences in Brandenburg/Germany are summarized in the context of the existing knowledges concerning PMWS in pig.