A Serological Investigation of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Three Coronaviruses in the Campania Region, Southern Italy

Abstract

Porcine coronaviruses and reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are responsible for severe outbreaks that cause huge economic losses worldwide. In Italy, three coronaviruses have been reported historically: porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV). Although repeated outbreaks have been described, especially in northern Italy, where intensive pig farming is common, there is a worrying lack of information on the spread of these pathogens in Europe. In this work, we determined the seroprevalence of three porcine coronaviruses and PRRSV in the Campania region, southern Italy. A total of 443 samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against porcine coronaviruses and PRRSV using four different commercial ELISAs. Our results indicated that PEDV is the most prevalent among porcine coronaviruses, followed by TGEV, and finally PRCV. PRRSV appeared to be the most prevalent virus (16.7%). For coronaviruses, seroprevalence was higher in pigs raised in intensive farming systems. In terms of distribution, TGEV is more widespread in the province of Avellino, while PEDV and PRRSV are more prevalent in the province of Naples, emphasizing the epidemic nature of both infections. Interestingly, TGEV-positive animals are more common among growers, while seropositivity for PEDV and PRRSV was higher in adults. Our research provides new insights into the spread of swine coronaviruses and PRRSV in southern Italy, as well as a warning about the need for viral surveillance.

Keywords: porcine coronaviruses; porcine epidemic diarrhea virus; porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome; porcine respiratory coronavirus; transmissible gastroenteritis virus.

Figure 1

Spatial distribution of positive farms for PEDV in the pig population in the Campania region, southern Italy. A large proportion of the sampled districts had seroprevalence between 10% and 25% or higher.

Figure 2

Spatial distribution of positive farms for PRRSV in the pig population in the Campania region, southern Italy. PEDV and PRRSV were found in high concentrations in several districts.