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Published on: January 17, 2014
Heterogeneity of Moraxella isolates found in the nasal cavities of piglets
Sergi López-Serrano1, Nuria Galofré-Milà1, Mar Costa-Hurtado1
1IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
Background:
Previous studies have shown that the genus Moraxella is commonly present in the nasal microbiota of swine.
Results:
In this study, 51 isolates of Moraxella were obtained from nasal swabs from 3 to 4 week old piglets, which represented 26 different fingerprintings by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR. Whole 16S rRNA gene sequencing allowed the identification at species level of the Moraxella spp. isolates. The majority of the field strains were identified as Moraxella pluranimalium, but Moraxella porci was also detected. In addition, a cluster of 7 strains did not group with any described Moraxella species, probably representing a new species. Subsequent phenotypic characterization indicated that strains of Moraxella pluranimalium were mainly sensitive to serum complement, while the cluster representing the putative new species was highly resistant. Biofilm formation capacity was very variable among the Moraxella spp. isolates, while adherence to epithelial cell lines was similar among selected strains. Additionally, variability was also observed in the association of selected strains to porcine alveolar macrophages. Antimicrobial tests evidenced the existence of multidrug-resistance in the strains.
Conclusions:
In summary, phenotypic characterization revealed heterogeneity among Moraxella strains from the nasal cavity of piglets. Strains with pathogenic potential were detected as well as those that may be commensal members of the nasal microbiota. However, the role of Moraxella in porcine diseases and health should be further evaluated.
Insights
Diverse Moraxella bacteria inhabit pig nasal passages. This study identified Moraxella pluranimalium and a potential new species, revealing varied resistance and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacterial Genomics
- Swine Health
Background:
- The genus Moraxella is frequently found in the nasal microbiota of pigs.
- Understanding the diversity and characteristics of these bacteria is crucial for swine health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Moraxella isolates from pig nasal swabs.
- To identify species, assess phenotypic traits, and evaluate antimicrobial resistance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Moraxella from pig nasal swabs.
- Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR for fingerprinting.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for species identification.
- Phenotypic characterization including serum complement sensitivity and biofilm formation.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- 51 Moraxella isolates yielded 26 distinct ERIC-PCR fingerprints.
- Predominant species identified were Moraxella pluranimalium and Moraxella porci.
- A novel cluster of 7 strains, likely a new species, showed high serum complement resistance.
- Variable biofilm formation and adherence to epithelial cells were observed.
- Multidrug-resistance was detected among the isolates.
Conclusions:
- Significant heterogeneity exists among nasal Moraxella strains in piglets.
- Both potentially pathogenic and commensal strains were identified.
- Further investigation is required to elucidate the role of Moraxella in porcine diseases and overall health.
