Porcine Health Management

A total of 16 serotypes of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) have been reported so far; nevertheless, data indicating which serotypes are more virulent is still lacking for most countries. Thus, updated information related to a particular geographical area might be precious.          Current techniques of APP serotyping present certain methodological limitations; cross reactions when using serological tests and inaccurate identification through Apx genes.  The aim of this work was to develop a complete set of APP typing qPCR reactions to conduct a preliminary survey regarding the current situation of APP in Spain.

Leptospirosis is presumed to be the most widespread zoonosis worldwide; it is a cause of reproductive loss in swine breeding herds and has been reported in swine from all parts of the world. Unfortunately, current data about the prevalence of leptospiral infection in swine are rare.

Infection with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae results in mucoid hemorrhagic diarrhea. This pathogen is associated with the colonic mucus layer, mainly composed of mucins. Infection increases mucin secretion in the colon, increases B. hyodysenteriae binding sites on mucins, and regulates mucin glycosylation. Here, we analyzed potential mucin epitopes for B. hyodysenteriae adhesion in the colon, as well the effect of mucins on bacterial growth.  

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is considered one of the most important pathogens in commercial pig production. It causes high economic losses due to acute or chronic pleuropneumonia resulting in decreased performance and increased mortality. Antimicrobial treatment and vaccination ensure only limited protection against the repercussions of the disease, and the excessive usage of antibiotics is no longer feasible. As other means of prevention are needed, genetic disease resistance of the host holds much promise. Previous studies have discovered multiple QTL through controlled infection experiments in crossbred Hampshire/Landrace pigs that could explain up to 22% of phenotypic variance.