Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is common in concentrated pig feed operations from the decomposition of manure. Ambient H 2 S is a respiratory tract irritant and an environmental stressor for caretakers and pigs. Influenza A virus (IAV), a zoonotic pathogen, has caused prior pandemics. The effects of H 2 S or IAV alone on the respiratory system have been investigated, but their interaction has not. We hypothesized that exposure to environmentally-relevant H 2 S concentrations increases the pathogenicity of IAV infection in swine. Thirty-five, three-week old pigs of mixed sex were exposed to breathing air or H 2 S via inhalation 6 hours daily for 12 days. After 7 days, pigs were inoculated with H3N2 IAV (or a placebo). Results showed that ambient H 2 S increased the severity of respiratory distress and lung pathology. H 2 S also suppressed IL-IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine response in BALF and increased viral loads and nasal shedding.
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