Secondary Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (HP-PRRSV2) Infection Augments Inflammatory Responses, Clinical Outcomes, and Pathogen Load in Glaesserella-parasuis-Infected Piglets

Abstract

Glaesserella parasuis (Gps), Gram-negative bacteria, are a universal respiratory-disease-causing pathogen in swine that colonize the upper respiratory tract. Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (HP-PRRSV2HP-PRRSV2) and Gps coinfections are epidemics in China, but little is known about the influence of concurrent coinfection on disease severity and inflammatory responses. Herein, we studied the effects of secondary HP-PRRS infection on clinical symptoms, pathological changes, pathogen load, and inflammatory response of Gps coinfection in the upper respiratory tract of piglets. All coinfected piglets (HP-PRRSV2 + Gps) displayed fever and severe lesions in the lungs, while fever was present in only a few animals with a single infection (HP-PRRSV2 or Gps). Additionally, HP-PRRSV2 and Gps loading in nasal swabs and blood and lung tissue samples was significantly increased in the coinfected group. Necropsy data showed that coinfected piglets suffered from severe lung damage and had significantly higher antibody titers of HP-PRRSV2 or Gps than single-infected piglets. Moreover, the serum and lung concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) were also significantly higher in coinfected piglets than in those infected with HP-PRRSV2 or Gps alone. In conclusion, our results show that HP-PRRSV2 promotes the shedding and replication of Gps, and their coinfection in the upper respiratory tract aggravates the clinical symptoms and inflammatory responses, causing lung damage. Therefore, in the unavoidable situation of Gps infection in piglets, necessary measures must be made to prevent and control secondary infection with HP-PRRSV2, which can save huge economic losses to the pork industry.

Transcriptome Analysis of miRNA and mRNA in Porcine Skeletal Muscle following Glaesserella parasuis Challenge

“…Among these, serovars 1, 5, 10, 12, 13, and 14 are highly virulent strains [ 4 ], with serovar 5 being the most prevalent in China based on serotyping in epidemiological studies [ 5 ]. Co-infections with other pathogens, such as porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), are common, further increasing the morbidity and mortality rates in swine [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. In addition to the typical features of Glässer’s disease, G. parasuis infection in pigs is associated with clinical manifestations such as lameness, paralysis, and weight loss [ 9 ].…”

Current Status of Vaccines for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome: Interferon Response, Immunological Overview, and Future Prospects

“…While finishing pigs, boars, and unbred gilts often present less severe signs, the presence of additional infections in PRRSV-infected pigs can exacerbate and complicate the situation, potentially leading to more severe reproductive failure in pregnant sows or to a respiratory disease complex in young piglets. Therefore, the prevention of PRRS and related diseases is among the top priorities of swine producers [ 5 , 6 ].…”