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Interaction between Ascaris suum and Pasteurella multocida in the lungs of mice
K Tjørnehøj1, L Eriksen, B Aalbaek
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Abstract:
In an experiment including 8 groups of 15 mice, the effect of migrating Ascaris suum larvae in the lungs on the establishment and pathogenicity of aerosol exposure to Pasteurella multocida was investigated. Following aerosol exposure to P. multocida, mice with migrating A. suum in their lungs developed more severe pneumonia and septicaemia than did parasite-free mice. The parasite-induced effect on bacterial pathogenicity was more marked for a non-toxin-producing P. multocida as compared with a toxin-producing strain of P. multocida, possibly due to the higher spontaneous pathogenicity of the non-toxigenic strain of P. multocida. The present results should encourage controlled experiments on possible interactions between A. suum and various airborne microbial infections in pigs.
Insights
Migrating Ascaris suum larvae exacerbate Pasteurella multocida infections in mice, leading to more severe pneumonia and septicaemia. This parasite-induced effect highlights potential interactions between A. suum and bacterial lung infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ascaris suum infections are common in swine.
- Pasteurella multocida is a significant bacterial pathogen affecting swine respiratory health.
- Co-infections can alter disease severity and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of migrating Ascaris suum larvae on the pathogenicity of Pasteurella multocida in a mouse model.
- To compare the effects of different P. multocida strains (toxin-producing vs. non-toxin-producing) in the presence of A. suum.
Main Methods:
- An experimental model using 8 groups of 15 mice.
- Aerosol exposure to Pasteurella multocida.
- Monitoring of pneumonia and septicaemia development in mice with and without migrating A. suum larvae.
Main Results:
- Mice with migrating A. suum larvae exhibited significantly more severe pneumonia and septicaemia following P. multocida exposure compared to parasite-free controls.
- The exacerbating effect of A. suum was more pronounced with a non-toxin-producing strain of P. multocida.
- This suggests that A. suum may increase susceptibility to bacterial infections, potentially influencing the virulence of the infecting agent.
Conclusions:
- Migrating Ascaris suum larvae enhance the pathogenicity of Pasteurella multocida infections.
- The findings suggest a synergistic relationship between A. suum and bacterial respiratory pathogens.
- Further research is warranted to explore A. suum interactions with other airborne microbial infections in pigs.