Orchitis is the inflamation of testicular tissue with the presence of leucocytes inside and outside of the seminiferous tubules. It is rarely seen alone, more frequently associated to the inflamation of the epidipimis, as epididimoorchitis (EO).
The proccess can start from different origins, sexual contact with a sow with genital tract infections, by an ascendent infection from the urinary tract (Corynebacterium, E.coli, streptos, staphilos) or by an hematogenous infection from a systemic disease like brucellosis, leptospirosis, clamydiasis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, Aujeszky, Japanese B encephalitis. Clinical signs of the acute EO are swelling and congestion with pain in the area, frequently fever and reduced libido. There are also ejaculate disturbances like oligospermy or azoospermy, presence of leucocytes and blood and numerous abnormalities of spermatozoa. If the illness is subacute or cronic there are only ejaculate disturbances and testicles become hard and develop atrophy.Damaged epithelium, degeneration and/or obstruction of the seminiferous tubules are responsibles for the ejaculate disturbances and infertility.
Recovery of the spermatogenic function depends on the length and intensity of the proccess. Diagnosis of EO must be made from the described clinical signs. In order to elucidate the pathogenesis, we must perform one or more of the following laboratory tests: urianalysis and culture, semen evaluation and culture, determination of blood serum antibodies against brucella, clamydia, toxoplasma, leptospira according to the clinical signs, culture and immunodiagnosis of cervical swabs if the boar practices natural mating.