The objective of this study was to develop a database of L. intracellularis genotypic types from various proliferative enteropathy outbreaks. This database will provide bioinformatics data and tools for applying genetic typing more widely and will further enhance our understanding of the transmission dynamics and epidemiology of ileitis in pigs. New knowledge regarding infection and transmission of L. intracellularis was obtained using the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) genetic typing technique. Though Lawsonia is phenotypically and antigenically conserved, there is genetic variation that exists between isolates. Thus far, no variation was observed between isolates obtained from various clinical types of proliferative enteropathy within herds (barns), including acute (proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy – PHE), chronic (porcine intestinal adenomatosis – PIA), and subclinical samples. Slight variation between isolates from different geographic locations was detected, though those variations were no greater between isolates from different continents than between isolates from different Midwestern U.S. pig farms. Marked variation exists, however, between isolates from pig and non-pig sources. These variations may be used to track outbreaks occurring in pigs, horses, or other animals.