Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex and Biofilms

Abraham Loera-Muro, Flor Y Ramírez-Castillo, Francisco J Avelar-González and Alma L Guerrero-Barrera

The Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is a term used to describe polymicrobial respiratory infections in pigs. Respiratory diseases in pigs are common in modern pork production worldwide and are the responsible for major economic losses in the swine industry. Pathogens involved in respiratory disease in pigs vary significantly among farms, production sites, regions and countries, making generalizations about the PRDC treatment and difficult to control it. The interactions that occur on the cellular and molecular levels during concurrent infection of pigs with two or more respiratory pathogens are multi-faceted and convoluted. There are a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens commonly associated with the PRDC. The main associated bacteria include: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus pasaruis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Currently, it is known among microbiologists that biofilm formation is an universal attribute of microorganisms and the main way of life in nature that are causing problems such as developing diseases in animals and humans. Here, is reviewed the current knowledge of the major bacteria involved in this disease, their ability to form biofilms, as well as their importance on the infection process.