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Aerogenous infection of microbiologically defined minipigs with Streptococcus suis serotype 2. A new model
L W Madsen1, B Aalbaek, O L Nielsen
1Department of Pharmacology and Pathobiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark. lwm@kvl.dk
Abstract:
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 is the cause of serious infections in animals and humans, but certain aspects of the infection pathogenesis still remain unclear. In this study an experimental model of aerogenous infection and induction of septicemia with S. suis serotype 2 was established in microbiologically defined Göttingen minipigs. Ten animals were exposed to aerosolized S. suis after previous exposure to mild acetic acid in aerosol. Six of the animals were immunosuppressed with prednisolone acetate on different days. All the animals were monitored clinically until euthanasia on days 6 to 13 after exposure. Necropsy was performed and samples were taken for microbiology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry Three out of four animals immunosuppressed on days 5 to 7 after exposure developed S. suis septicemia, and S. suis could be detected in the tonsil of the soft palate and/or the nasal cavity of all exposed animals. Thus, using the presented model, local as well as systemic infection with S. suis serotype 2 was established in the Göttingen minipig. Since this breed is defined as free of S. suis and a range of other endemic porcine pathogens, the experimental model could prove useful in the study of this infection.
Insights
A new experimental model using Göttingen minipigs was developed to study Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infections. This model successfully established local and systemic infections, aiding research into Streptococcus suis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis serotype 2 causes significant animal and human infections.
- Pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a novel experimental model for aerogenous infection and septicemia with Streptococcus suis serotype 2.
- To utilize microbiologically defined Göttingen minipigs for infection studies.
Main Methods:
- Göttingen minipigs were exposed to aerosolized Streptococcus suis serotype 2 following acetic acid aerosol pre-exposure.
- Immunosuppression was induced using prednisolone acetate in a subset of animals.
- Clinical monitoring, necropsy, and microbiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Three of four immunosuppressed minipigs developed Streptococcus suis serotype 2 septicemia.
- Streptococcus suis serotype 2 was detected in the nasal cavity and/or tonsil of all exposed animals.
- The model successfully established both local and systemic infections.
Conclusions:
- The Göttingen minipig model is effective for studying Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection.
- This model provides a valuable tool for investigating Streptococcus suis pathogenesis due to the breed's pathogen-free status.