Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
09:12
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
Serological profiles in nursery piglets colonized with Staphylococcus aureus
Florence Crombé1, Wannes Vanderhaeghen, Corné P de Vogel
1Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (VAR), Department of Bacterial Diseases, Groeselenberg 99, Ukkel, Belgium. flcro@coda-cerva.be.
Veterinary Research
|January 24, 2013
Summary
This study investigated piglet immune responses to Staphylococcus aureus, finding age-related antibody changes to colonization factors but not toxins. Experimental MRSA ST398 introduction did not significantly alter the humoral immune response.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Bacteriology
- Swine Health
Background:
- The immune response of pigs to Staphylococcus aureus carriage is not well understood.
- Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), poses a significant threat to swine health.
- Understanding humoral immunity in pigs is crucial for managing S. aureus colonization and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of anti-staphylococcal humoral immune responses in MSSA-positive piglets.
- To assess the effect of experimental introduction of a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) Sequence Type (ST) 398 strain on piglet immunity.
- To characterize age-related antibody responses to various S. aureus antigens in weaned pigs.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 31 weaned piglets over time.
- Twenty-four piglets were experimentally challenged with MRSA ST398.
- IgG antibodies to 39 S. aureus antigens were analyzed using a multiplex bead-based assay (xMAP technology).
Main Results:
- Antibody responses exhibited significant inter-individual variability but clustered by litter.
- An age-related increase in antibody titers against microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) was observed.
- Antibody titers against staphylococcal toxins and immune-modulating proteins generally decreased with age, suggesting limited bacterial invasion.
- Experimental introduction of MRSA ST398 did not elicit a significant humoral immune response.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel insights into the humoral immune response dynamics in weaned pigs colonized with S. aureus.
- Age and litter origin significantly influence anti-staphylococcal antibody responses.
- The lack of response to MRSA ST398 challenge suggests potential immune evasion or tolerance mechanisms.
