Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is common in concentrated pig feed operations from the decomposition of manure. Ambient H2S is a respiratory tract irritant and an environmental stressor for caretakers and pigs. Influenza A virus (IAV), a zoonotic pathogen, has caused prior pandemics. The effects of H2S or IAV alone on the respiratory system have been investigated, but their interaction has not. We hypothesized that exposure to environmentally-relevant H2S concentrations increases the pathogenicity of IAV infection in swine. Thirty-five, three-week old pigs of mixed sex were exposed to breathing air or H2S via inhalation 6 hours daily for 12 days. After 7 days, pigs were inoculated with H3N2 IAV (or a placebo). Results showed that ambient H2S increased the severity of respiratory distress and lung pathology. H2S also suppressed IL-IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine response in BALF and increased viral loads and nasal shedding.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
