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. 2024 Jul 20;13(7):599.
doi: 10.3390/pathogens13070599.

Temporal and Serotypic Dynamics of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in South African Porcine Populations: A Retrospective Study from 1985 to 2023

Emmanuel M Seakamela  1 , Marijke M Henton  2 , Annelize Jonker  3 , Prudence N Kayoka-Kabongo  4 , Itumeleng Matle  1
Affiliations

Temporal and Serotypic Dynamics of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in South African Porcine Populations: A Retrospective Study from 1985 to 2023

Emmanuel M Seakamela et al. Pathogens. .

Abstract

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a major bacterial pathogen causing porcine pleuropneumoniae, which is a disease of notable economic impact and high fatality rates among pigs worldwide. It has been reported that 19 distinct serotypes of this bacterium exist. Despite its global prominence, there exists a scarcity of information regarding its prevalence and distribution in South Africa. Thus, this study used laboratory records to investigate the serotype diversity, temporal distribution, and seasonal patterns of A. pleuropneumoniae isolated from porcine samples spanning from 1985 to 2023 within South Africa. Data from laboratory registries of 354 cases, obtained from three veterinary laboratories in South Africa, were analyzed. The data were categorized into two-time frames: term 1, covering 1985 to 2001, and term 2, spanning from 2002 to 2023. The dataset identified 11 different serotypes, with serotype 7 being the most prevalent at 22.7% (n = 62), which was followed by serotype 5 at 13.8% (n = 42). The study highlighted variations in the prevalence of serotypes among diseased animals over a 38-year period. Serotypes 3, 5, 7 and 8 were commonly observed during this time, while serotype 4 was absent from 1985 to 2001, and serotypes 1, 6, and 10 were absent from 2002 to 2023. The distribution of serotypes showed a diverse variation in the age of affected animals, clinical manifestation, and seasonal occurrence. Key findings revealed that serotype 7 was the most prevalent across all seasons with the highest occurrence in winter. Additionally, Gauteng province showed the highest prevalence of various serotypes. The information collected during this study will serve as a baseline for future epidemiological studies as well as inform control strategies.

Keywords: A. pleuropneumoniae; South Africa; pigs; pleuropneumonia; serotypes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
South African map showing the distribution of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae cases within the provinces.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Prevalence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes by term of isolation. Term 1: Year 1985–2001; Term 2: Year 2002–2023.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Prevalence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes by location.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Prevalence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes by season.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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