Author
 |
Register, Karen |
|
Submitted to: Pig Progress
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/8/2001 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The role of Bordetella bronchiseptica in atrophic rhinitis and primary bronchopneumonia in young pigs is well documented. Infection with this agent increases the frequency and severity of respiratory disease due to other pathogens. A recent study indicates that B. bronchiseptica also contributes to PRDC. Although most swine producers in both the United States and Europe vaccinate against B. bronchiseptica, most are dissatisfied with the level of protection afforded by available vaccines. Efforts to improve the efficacy of B. bronchiseptica vaccines could have a significant impact on overall respiratory health in swine. Pertactin is an outer membrane protein produced by B. bronchiseptica shown to be an important protective immunogen in swine. We and others have discovered genetic polymorphisms in the pertactin gene that result in the production of distinct pertactin types. Sixteen types have been identified in the strains so far examined. Only 1 of 3 vaccines analyzed contains the pertactin type found in the majority of United States B. bronchiseptica field isolates from swine. Pertactin polymorphisms may permit escape from immune surveillance through the emergence of novel antigenic epitopes. Therefore, the efficacy of B. bronchiseptica vaccines may be improved by inclusion of pertactin types identical to those currently circulating in the field. |
