Pleuropneumonia

Pleuropneumonia is a severe bacterial respiratory disease that poses a major challenge to the global swine industry. It is caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), which is highly contagious in pigs. The disease has the potential to cause significant economic losses in the swine industry due to increased mortality, reduced productivity, and the need for costly treatment. BioVenic, a leading company in veterinary solutions, recognizes the importance of understanding and responding to pleuropneumonia to protect the health and welfare of pigs and support sustainable pig production.

Etiology

The App is a Gram-negative respiratory parasite with capsules. It mainly parasitizes the lungs and tonsils of affected pigs, with a small amount in the nasal cavity. Pigs are its highly specific hosts. So far, 15 serotypes have been reported, and there are cross-reactions among some serotypes. APP-induced pig disease involves a variety of virulence factors, including hemolytic toxin, capsular polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide, protease, transferrin, permeability factor, and outer membrane protein, among which hemolytic toxin is the most important.

Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the pathogenesis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.¹

Mode of Transmission

The main transmission route of pleuropneumonia is the respiratory tract, and it can also be transmitted through direct contact with pigs. Aerosols and contaminated utensils are also routes of transmission. The occurrence of this disease has obvious seasonality, mostly occurring in autumn and winter.

Signs and Symptoms of Pleuropneumonia

Pleuropneumonia primarily affects the respiratory system of pigs, causing inflammation, hemorrhages, and consolidation of lung tissues. The severity of the disease can vary, ranging from mild to peracute, with the potential for rapid progression and fatal outcomes.

• Subacute and Chronic Type

The effects of pleuropneumonia on affected pigs include reduced feed intake, weight loss, fever, coughing, labored breathing, and increased respiratory rates.

• Acute Type

Infected pigs have elevated body temperature, do not eat, and have obvious cough, dyspnea, mouth breathing, and other serious respiratory symptoms. Sick pigs often lie on the ground, in the dog lying or dog sitting position, and the skin is dark red due to congestion.

• The Most Acute Type

In addition to a fever of 41.5℃, the pig's spirit is depressed, its appetite is lost, and has short-term diarrhea and vomiting. Several parts of the pigs are cyanotic, including the ears, nose, legs, abdomen, and body sides. It usually dies from suffocation due to respiratory paralysis within 24 to 36 hours, and blood-stained foam flows from its mouth and nose. Without obvious symptoms, some pigs die rapidly.

Distribution of Pleuropneumonia in the United States

The disease is unevenly distributed and tends to be concentrated in certain geographic areas. BioVenic has been collecting and analyzing data, identifying hotspots, and helping customers develop targeted disease management and control strategies for years.

Diagnosis of Pleuropneumonia

Accurate diagnosis of pleuropneumonia requires a combination of clinical assessment, history, and laboratory testing. BioVenic recognizes that timely, accurate diagnosis is critical to the proper treatment and control of pleuropneumonia. Our one-stop veterinary diagnostics solutions develop diagnostic methods, reagents, and kits based on immunology and molecular science for our customers, to help them confirm the presence of APP and identify the specific serotype involved.

• Bacterial Culture
• ELISA
• PCR, etc.

Treatment of Pleuropneumonia

Treatment of pleuropneumonia in pigs involves a combination of antimicrobial agents and supportive care. Typically, penicillin and tetracycline are used to fight APP infections. It is important to note, however, that the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment may vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease, and resistance may easily develop. BioVenic is committed to helping customers research and develop innovative treatments to combat pleuropneumonia and minimize the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Prevention and Control of Pleuropneumonia

Vaccination programs using autologous or commercial vaccines against prevalent APP serotypes are the most effective preventive measures. BioVenic invests significant resources into developing safe and effective vaccines tailored to the specific needs of pig producers, contributing to the control and prevention of pleuropneumonia.

In addition, BioVenic recommends that farms implement the following biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of APP, including,

Pleuropneumonia is a complex and challenging disease. BioVenic has always been at the forefront of animal disease research to strive to provide cutting-edge solutions for the control and prevention of pleuropneumonia. Through ongoing research and collaboration, we help veterinary researchers work to ensure pig health. For more information, please contact us directly.

References

1. Nahar, Nusrat, et al. "Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae: the molecular determinants of virulence and pathogenesis." Advances in Microbial Physiology 78 (2021): 179-216.
2. Antenucci, Fabio, et al. "In vivo testing of novel vaccine prototypes against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae." Veterinary research 49 (2018): 1-11.