Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus Viremia Research Articles

Efficacy of ivermectin administration to growing pigs after a virulent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1-4-4 L1C challenge

Objective: To conduct a pilot study, under noncommercial conditions, to assess the potential efficacy of ivermectin administered subcutaneously to pigs following a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) 1-4-4 L1C challenge. Materials and methods: A total of 50 feeder pigs were enrolled and allocated into 2 groups. On day 0, all pigs were challenged with PRRSV 1-4-4 L1C. Animals in group 1 received an ivermectin dose of approximately 500 µg/kg administered subcutaneously at 1 and 3 days post challenge (DPC). Group 2 animals remained untreated. Serum was collected from each animal on DPC 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 and tested individually to assess PRRSV viremia levels via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). On DPC 14, pigs were weighed, euthanized, necropsied, and lungs were scored for lung lesions. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on each set of lungs and the corresponding level of viremia was measured via qPCR. Any animal that died prior to necropsy was weighed, received a lung score, and BAL collected. Results: There was no significant difference in viremia levels between treatment groups. There was a trend toward significance between treatment groups in lung lesion scores with the ivermectin-treated pigs exhibiting less lung pathology compared to the control group (P = .05). Implications: Ivermectin administered to pigs post virulent PRRS 1-4-4 L1C challenge did not reduce the level of viremia in serum or BAL fluid but may have reduced lung lesions.

Frequency of PCV-2 viremia in nursery piglets from a Spanish swine integration system in 2020 and 2022 considering PRRSV infection status.

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) poses a significant economic threat for the swine industry, causing a range of diseases collectively referred to as porcine circovirus diseases (PCVDs). Despite PCV-2 vaccine effectiveness, the need for monitoring infectious pressure remains. PCV-2 coinfection with other pathogens like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can exacerbate disease severity and lead to PCV-2-systemic disease cases. Monitoring both PRRSV and PCV-2 in co-infected farms is crucial for an effective management and vaccination programs. The present cross-sectional study aimed to determine PCV-2 antibody levels in piglets at weaning and PCV-2 and PRRSV viremia in pooled serum samples at weaning (vaccination age) and at 6 and 9weeks of age from a Spanish swine integration system in 2020 (48 farms) and in 2022 (28 out of the 48 analysed previously). The frequency of PCV-2 detection in pools of piglet sera was 2.1% (2020) and 7.1% (2022) at vaccination age but increased at the end of the nursery period (10.4% in 2020 and 39.3% in 2022)in both years. Co-infections between PCV-2 and PRRSV were detected in a significant proportion of PRRSV positive farms (15% in 2020, and 60% in 2022). PCV-2 antibody levels(ELISA S/P ratios) at weaning were lower in PCV-2 qPCR positive farms at different sampling time-points (0.361 in 2020 and 0.378 in 2022) compared to PCV-2 qPCR negative ones (0.587 in 2020 and 0.541 in 2022). The 28 farms tested both years were classified in four different epidemiological scenarios depending on their PCV-2 virological status. Those PCV-2 qPCR negative farms in 2020 that turned to be positive in 2022 had a statistically significant increase of PRRSV RT-qPCR detection and a PCV-2 antibody levels reduction, facts that were not observed in the rest of the scenarios. This epidemiological study in farms from the same integration system determined the occurrence, in 2020 and in 2022, of PCV-2 and PRRSV infections in piglets during the nursery period by using pooled serum samples.

Host-genetic-based outcome of co-infection by PCV2b and PRRSV in pigs.

Replication of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), an important worldwide swine pathogen, has been demonstrated to be influenced by host genotype. Specifically, a missense DNA polymorphism (SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys) within the SYNGR2 gene was demonstrated to contribute to variation in PCV2b viral load and subsequent immune response following infection. PCV2 is known to induce immunosuppression leading to an increase in susceptibility to subsequent infections with other viral pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In order to assess the role of SYNGR2 p.Arg63Cys in co-infections, pigs homozygous for the favorable SYNGR2 p.63Cys (N = 30) and unfavorable SYNGR2 p.63Arg (N = 29) alleles were infected with PCV2b followed a week later by a challenge with PRRSV. A lower PCV2b viremia (P < 0.001) and PCV2-specific IgM antibodies (P < 0.005) were observed in SYNGR2 p.63Cys compared to SYNGR2 p.63Arg genotypes. No significant differences in PRRSV viremia and specific IgG antibodies were observed between SYNGR2 genotypes. Lung histology score, an indicator of disease severity, was lower in the pigs with SYNGR2 p.63Cys genotypes (P < 0.05). Variation in the lung histology scores within SYNGR2 genotypes suggests that additional factors, environmental and/or genetic, could be involved in disease severity.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Suppress Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication in vitro and Enhance the Immune Effect of the Live Vaccine JXA1-R in Piglets.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) suppresses the innate immune response in the host, reducing and delaying neutralizing antibody production against PRRSV infection and promoting viral infection. Here, we aimed to assess the potential of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) for improving the immune response exerted upon PRRSV-2-modified live virus (MLV) vaccine administration. Thirty piglets were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 piglets were injected with medium 0 days post vaccination (dpv). Group 2 piglets were fed PNS 0–28 dpv. Group 3 and group 4 piglets were administered the JXA1-R vaccine 0 dpv. Group 4 piglets were also fed PNS 0–28 dpv. Group 1–4 piglets were challenged intranasally with the PRRSV JXA1 strain 28 dpv. Group 5 piglets were fed with PNS without challenge. Group 6 piglets served as controls. During the experiment, the samples were collected regularly for 49 days. Compared with group 1 piglets, group 3 piglets showed significantly reduced viremia and clinical scores, and significantly increased average daily gain (ADWG). Compared with group 3 piglets, group 4 piglets showed significantly improved neutralizing antibody titers, IFN-α and IFN-β mRNA expression, and significantly decreased viremia and viral load in the lungs and lymph nodes, but did not demonstrate any further improvement in PRRSV-specific antibody titer, rectal temperature, ADWG, or clinical scores. PNS upregulates neutralizing antibodies against PRRSV-2 and enhances the expression of IFN-α and IFN-β, which may reduce PRRSV viremia upon PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine administration. PNS may serve as an effective immunomodulator for boosting the immune defense against PRRSV.

Systemic Homologous Neutralizing Antibodies Are Inadequate for the Evaluation of Vaccine Protective Efficacy against Coinfection by High Virulent PEDV and PRRSV.

ABSTRACTG2 porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (G2 PEDV) and highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 (HP-PRRSV2) are two of the most prevalent swine pathogens in China’s swine herds, and their coinfection occurs commonly. Several PED and PRRS vaccines have been utilized in China for decades, and systemic homologous neutralizing antibodies (shnAbs) in serum are frequently used to evaluate the protective efficacy of PED and PRRS vaccines. To develop a vaccine candidate against G2 PEDV and HP-PRRSV2 coinfection, in this study, we generated a chimeric virus (rJSTZ1712-12-S) expressing S protein of G2 PEDV using an avirulent HP-PRRSV2 rJSTZ1712-12 infectious clone as the viral vector. The rJSTZ1712-12-S strain has similar replication efficacies as the parental rJSTZ1712-12 virus. In addition, animal inoculation indicated that rJSTZ1712-12-S is not pathogenic to piglets and can induce shnAbs against both G2 PEDV and HP-PRRSV2 isolates after prime-boost immunization. However, passive transfer study in neonatal piglets deprived of sow colostrum showed that rJSTZ1712-12-S-induced shnAbs may only decrease PEDV and PRRSV viremia but cannot confer sufficient protection against dual challenge of high virulent G2 PEDV XJ1904-34 strain and HP-PRRSV2 XJ17-5 isolate. Overall, this study provides the first evidence that shnAbs confer insufficient protection against PEDV and PRRSV coinfection and are inadequate for the evaluation of protective efficacy of PED and PRRS bivalent vaccine (especially for the PED vaccine).IMPORTANCE Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) coinfection occurs commonly and can synergistically reduce feed intake and pig growth. Vaccination is an effective strategy utilized for PED and PRRS control, and systemic homologous neutralizing antibodies (shnAbs) in serum are commonly used for protective efficacy evaluation of PED and PRRS vaccines. Currently, no commercial vaccine is available against PEDV and PRRSV coinfection. This study generated a chimeric vaccine candidate against the coinfection of prevalent PEDV and PRRSV in China. The chimeric strain can induce satisfied shnAbs against both PEDV and PRRSV after prime-boost inoculation in pigs. But the shnAbs cannot confer sufficient protection against PEDV and PRRSV coinfection in neonatal piglets. To the best of our knowledge, these findings provide the first evidence that shnAbs confer insufficient protection against PEDV and PRRSV coinfection and are inadequate for evaluating PED and PRRS bivalent vaccine protective efficacy.

Virological Characterization of Pigs with Erythema Multiforme.

Erythema multiforme in pigs is an acute, self-limiting disease characterized by red skin areas and often associated with anorexia, fever and respiratory problems. The cause of the disease remains unknown. In a recent study, animals of a commercial breeding herd in Greece were examined, and all animals were found seropositive for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). However, neither PRRSV and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viremia nor antibodies against Aujeszky’s disease virus, African swine fever virus and classical swine fever virus were detected. Here, an extended examination of these pigs was performed on a wide range of porcine viruses using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Affected skin of five animals revealed the presence of porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus-1 (PLHV-1) in all cases, PLHV-2 in one animal and PLHV-3 in four animals. However, neither porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) nor porcine circoviruses (PCV1, PCV2, PCV3 and PCV4) were detected. In blood samples, PLHV-1 was present in two animals and PLHV-2, PCV2 and PCV3 in one individual, with PCMV, PCV1 and PCV4 in none of the animals. In one animal, four viruses were found in the blood (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, PCV2 and PCV3). A PRRSV viremia was also not detected. All animals carried porcine endogenous retrovirus C (PERV-C) in their genome, but recombinant PERV-A/C was not detected. The results suggest that porcine viruses may be involved in erythema multiforme in these animals and that further studies are needed to assess the role of these pathogens in the disease.

Evaluation of the intranasal route for porcine reproductive and respiratory disease modified-live virus vaccination

BackgroundIn pigs, modified live virus (MLV) vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are commonly used and administered by intramuscular (IM) injection. In contrast, PRRSV, as a primary respiratory pathogen, is mainly transmitted via the intranasal (IN) route. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commonly used commercial PRRSV MLV delivered IN compared to the IM route. MethodsFifty-four pigs were divided into five treatment groups. All vaccinated groups received the same MLV vaccine but administered via different routes. Group IN-JET-VAC was vaccinated with an automated high pressure prototype nasal jet device (IN-JET-VAC, n = 12), group IN-MAD-VAC was vaccinated with a mucosal atomization device (IN-MAD-VAC, n = 12), group IM-VAC was vaccinated intramuscularly (IM-VAC; n = 12) according to label instructions, while the NEG-CONTROL (n = 6) and the POS-CONTROL (n = 12) groups were both unvaccinated. At 28 days post vaccination all vaccinated groups and the POS-CONTROL pigs were challenged with a pathogenic US PRRSV isolate. Blood and nasal swabs were collected at regular intervals, and all pigs were necropsied at day 10 post challenge (dpc) when gross and microscopic lung lesions were assessed. ResultsPrior to challenge most vaccinated pigs had seroconverted to PRRSV. Clinical signs (fever, inappetence) were most obvious in the POS-CONTROL group from dpc 7 onwards. The vaccinated groups were not different for PRRSV viremia, seroconversion, or average daily weight gain. However, IN-JET-VAC and IN-MAD-VAC had significantly higher neutralizing antibody levels against the vaccine virus at challenge. ConclusionsComparable vaccine responses were obtained in IN and IM vaccinated pigs, suggesting the intranasal administration route as an alternative option for PRRSV vaccination.

Comparison of sample materials for the detection of infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

In breeding farms with a high health status, pigs are frequently sampled using invasive methods (i. e. blood sampling). The aim of the present study was to evaluate less invasive methods concerning their suitability for an early detection of the infection with the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Blood and saliva swabs, chewing rope derived oral fluids and serum samples were used for PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 detection via PCR. 19 gilts were repeatedly sampled following intramuscular or intranasal vaccination with live-attenuated vaccines containing PRRSV-1 or -2. Swabs were either moistened with saliva from the mouth mucosa or with blood from the ear veins following superficial needle puncture. Serum samples were taken via puncture of the V. jugularis externa. Chewing ropes served for a means of oral fluid sampling and were kept hanging in the barn at the pigs' head height for 30 minutes. All animals were negative for PRRSV at the time of vaccination (sampling point 0). In serum samples, the first virus detection was achieved 12 hours following vaccination (p. vacc.). From day 4 p. vacc. on all animals were viremic and from day 10 p. vacc. on the percentage of positive animals decreased. The first detection of PRRSV in GenoTube® blood swabs was possible 36 hours p. vacc. Examination of the eSwab® blood swab resulted in only one positive finding within the entire testing period. In the saliva samples, first detection of PRRSV was possible on day 5 p. vacc. This study demonstrates that serum samples taken from the V. jugularis externa may be considered as the gold standard for diagnostic of PRRSV viremia. Detection rates in serum were higher than in the alternative sample types. However, since sample collection procedures and processing of the alternative sample materials offer clear advantages with regard to welfare, practical handling and logistics, further attempts are warranted in order to improve these methods. Based on the presented results, the described method using eSwab® blood sampling does not represent a satisfactory alternative approach for the detection of early PRRSV infection. Future application of this method warrants further improvement of its diagnostic efficacy.

Optimal vaccination strategy against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, and porcine circovirus type 2 in case of early M. hyopneumoniae infection.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the optimal vaccination strategies for the control of porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in case of early mycoplasmal infection.MethodsA total of 120 pigs were randomly divided into 6 groups (20 pigs per group). Four separate vaccine regimen groups were selected. Pigs from the four vaccinated groups were challenged with M. hyopneumoniae at 28 days old followed by a challenge of PRRSV or PCV2 at 49 days old.ResultsRegardless of PRRSV or PCV2 vaccination, pigs vaccinated with one of the M. hyopneumoniae vaccines at 7 days old had a significantly better growth performance over the whole length of the study compared to pigs vaccinated with a second M. hyopneumoniae vaccine at 21 days old. Vaccination of pigs with M. hyopneumoniae at 7 days and PRRSV at either 7, 14 or 21 days old resulted in significantly reduced PRRSV viremia and lung lesions compared to vaccination of pigs with M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV at 21 days old.ConclusionsThe efficacy of the PRRSV MLV vaccine is influenced by the different timing of M. hyopneumoniae vaccination whereas the efficacy of the PCV2 vaccine is not. This experiment study demonstrated that early vaccination with a M. hyopneumoniae vaccine should be the highest priority in order to control M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV infection in cases of early M. hyopneumoniae infection.

PCV2 co-infection does not impact PRRSV MLV1 safety but enhances virulence of a PRRSV MLV1-like strain in infected SPF pigs

Co-infection by a type 1 modified live vaccine-like strain (MLV1-like) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and a type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV2) was identified on a French pig farm with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). An in vivo experiment was set up to characterize the virulence level of the MLV1-like strain compared with the parental MLV1 strain, and to assess the impact of PCV2 co-infection on the pathogenicity of both PRRSV strains. Six groups of six pigs each were inoculated only with either one of the two PRRSV strains or with PCV2, or co-inoculated with PCV2 and MLV1 or PCV2 and MLV1-like strains. Six contact pigs were added to each inoculated group to assess viral transmission. The animals were monitored daily for 35 days post-inoculation for clinical symptoms. Blood and nasal swabs were sampled twice a week, and tissue samples were collected during necropsy for viral quantification. Compared to MLV1-infected pigs, animals infected with the MLV1-like strain had increased PRRSV viremia and nasal shedding, a higher viral load in the tonsils, and lymph node hypertrophy at microscopic level. PCV2 co-infection did not influence clinical, virologic or transmission parameters for MLV1, but co-infected MLV1-like/PCV2 pigs had the most severe lung lesions, the highest viremia in contact animals and the highest transmission rate. Our study demonstrated that the MLV1 strain tested was safe when co-inoculated with PCV2 in piglets. However, co-infection by the MLV1-like strain and PCV2 resulted in increased virulence compared with that due to a single infection.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a trivalent vaccine mixture against a triple challenge with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, PCV2, and PRRSV and the efficacy comparison of the respective monovalent vaccines against a single challenge

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a trivalent vaccine mixture and compare it to the respective monovalent vaccines against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).ResultsPigs that were triple challenged with M. hyopneumoniae, PCV2, and PRRSV following vaccination with the trivalent vaccine mixture exhibited a significantly better growth performance when compared to unvaccinated and challenged pigs. A statistical difference was not found when comparing pig populations which were vaccinated with the trivalent vaccine followed by a triple challenge and pigs vaccinated with monovalent M hyopneumoniae vaccine followed by mycoplasmal single challenge in the following areas: M. hyopneumoniae nasal shedding, the number of M. hyopneumoniae-specific interferon-γ secreting cells (IFN-γ-SC), and mycoplasmal lung lesion scores. Pigs vaccinated with the trivalent vaccine mixture followed by a triple challenge resulted in a similar reduction of PCV2 viremia, an increase in the number of PCV2-specific IFN-γ-SC and reduction in interstitial lung lesion scores when compared to pigs vaccinated with a PCV-2 vaccine and challenged with PCV2 only. Lastly, there was a significant difference in the reduction of PRRSV viremia, an increase in PRRSV-specific IFN-γ-SC and a reduction of interstitial lung lesion scores between pigs vaccinated with the trivalent vaccine mixture followed by a triple challenge and pigs vaccinated with a monovalent PRRSV vaccine followed by PRRSV challenge only.ConclusionThe trivalent vaccine mixture was efficacious against a triple challenge of M. hyopneumoniae, PCV2, and PRRSV. The trivalent vaccine mixture, however, did not result in equal protection when compared against each respective monovalent vaccine, with the largest vaccine occurring within PRRSV.

Co-administration of saponin quil A and PRRSV-1 modified-live virus vaccine up-regulates gene expression of type I interferon-regulated gene, type I and II interferon, and inflammatory cytokines and reduces viremia in response to PRRSV-2 challenge

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a devastating virus which suppresses the expression of type I and II interferons (IFNs) as well as several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our previous study reported that saponin quil A had a potential to up-regulate the expression of type I IFN-regulated genes and type I and II IFNs in porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) inoculated with PRRSV. The present study evaluated the immunostimulatory effect of quil A on potentiating cross protective immunity of PRRSV-1 modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine against PRRSV-2 challenge. Twenty-four 4-week-old PRRSV-seronegative pigs were divided into four groups of six pigs. Group 1 and group 2 pigs were vaccinated with PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine at 0 dpv (day post vaccination), and additionally group 2 pigs were injected intramuscularly with quil A at −1, 0, 1 dpv. Group 3 pigs were injected with PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine solvent at 0 dpv and served as challenge control, while group 4 pigs served as strict control. Group 1–3 pigs were challenged intranasally with PRRSV-2 at 28 dpv and immune and clinical parameters were observed from 0 until 49 dpv. Group 1 pigs showed significantly reduced PRRSV viremia, number of viremic pigs, and clinical scores, and significantly improved average daily weight gain (ADWG), compared to group 3 pigs. Group 2 pigs showed significantly increased mRNA expressions of interferon regulatory factor 3, 2′-5′-oligoadenylatesynthetase 1, osteopontin, IFNα, IFNβ, IFNγ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-13 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, compared to group 1 pigs. The animals demonstrated significantly reduced PRRSV viremia and number of viremic pigs, but did not demonstrate any further improved PRRSV-specific antibody levels, neutralizing antibody titers, rectal temperature, clinical scores, and ADWG as compared to group 1 pigs. Our findings suggest that quil A up-regulates type I IFN-regulated gene, type I and II IFNs, and inflammatory cytokine expressions which may contribute to further reducing PRRSV viremia and number of viremic pigs which were conferred by PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine. Our findings also suggest that quil A may serve as an effective immunostimulator for potentiating cell-mediated immune defense to PRRSV.

An interferon inducing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine candidate elicits protection against challenge with the heterologous virulent type 2 strain VR-2385 in pigs

Achieving consistent protection by vaccinating pigs against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) remains difficult. Recently, an interferon-inducing PRRSV vaccine candidate strain A2MC2 was demonstrated to be attenuated and induced neutralizing antibodies. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of passage 90 of A2MC2 (A2P90) to protect pigs against challenge with moderately virulent PRRSV strain VR-2385 (92.3% nucleic acid identity with A2MC2) and highly virulent atypical PRRSV MN184 (84.5% nucleic acid identity with A2MC2). Forty 3-week old pigs were randomly assigned to five groups including a NEG-CONTROL group (non-vaccinated, non-challenged), VAC-VR2385 (vaccinated, challenged with strain VR-2385), VR2385 (challenged with strain VR-2385), VAC-MN184 (vaccinated, challenged with strain MN184) and a MN184 group (challenged with MN184 virus). Vaccination was done at 3weeks of age followed by challenge at 8weeks of age. No viremia was detectable in any of the vaccinated pigs; however, by the time of challenge, 15/16 vaccinated pigs had seroconverted based on ELISA and had neutralizing antibodies against a homologous strain with titers ranging from 8 to 128. Infection with VR-2385 resulted in mild-to-moderate clinical disease and lesions. For VR-2385 infected pigs, vaccination significantly lowered PRRSV viremia and nasal shedding by 9days post challenge (dpc), significantly reduced macroscopic lung lesions, and significantly increased the average daily weight gain compared to the non-vaccinated pigs. Infection with MN184 resulted in moderate-to-severe clinical disease and lesions regardless of vaccination status; however, vaccinated pigs had significantly less nasal shedding by dpc 5 compared to non-vaccinated pigs. Under the study conditions, the A2P90 vaccine strain was attenuated without detectable shedding, improved weight gain, and offered protection to the pigs challenged with VR-2385 by reduction of virus load and macroscopic lung lesions. Further work is needed to investigate different vaccination and challenge protocols, including routes, doses, timing and strains.

Evaluation of a 20 year old porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) modified live vaccine (Ingelvac® PRRS MLV) against two recent type 2 PRRS virus isolates in South Korea

Type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus (PRRSV) was first isolated in Korea in 1994. The commercial PRRS modified live vaccine (Ingelvac® PRRS MLV, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., St. Joseph, Missouri, USA) based on type 2 PRRSV, was first licensed for use in 3- to 18-week-old pigs in Korea in 1996. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of this 20year old commercial PRRS modified live vaccine (MLV) against two recent PRRSV isolates. Two genetically distant type 2 PRRSV strains (SNUVR150004 for lineage 1 and SNUVR150324 for lineage 5), isolated in 2015, were used as challenge virus. Regardless of the challenge virus, vaccination of pigs effectively reduced the level of viremia, the lung lesions, and of the PRRSV antigen within the lung lesions. The induction of virus-specific interferon-γ secreting cells by the PRRS vaccine produced a protective immune response, leading to the reduction of PRRSV viremia. There were no significant differences in efficacy against the two recently isolated viruses by the PRRS MLV based on virological results, immunological responses, and pathological outcomes. This study demonstrates that the PRRS MLV used in this study is still effective against recently isolated heterologous type 2 PRRSV strains even after 20 years of use in over 35 million pigs

Comparison of protection provided by type 1 and type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome field viruses against homologous and heterologous challenge

The objective of this study was to compare protection provided by type 1 and type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) against homologous and heterologous challenge based on clinical, virological, immunological, and pathological analysis. At 3 and 8 weeks of age, pigs were inoculated intranasally with either 3mL of tissue culture fluid containing 105 TCID50/mL of type 1 PRRSV or 3mL of tissue culture fluid containing 105 TCID50/mL of type 2 PRRSV. The homologous challenges resulted in a significant boost of the neutralizing antibodies (NA) and interferon-γ secreting cells (IFN-γ-SC) compared to heterologous challenges. The reduction of secondary challenging PRRSV viremia coincided with the appearance of homologous PRRSV-specific NA and IFN-γ-SC. Homologous challenge reduced the severity of lung lesions and levels of PRRSV viremia significantly in pigs in comparison with heterologous challenge. The differences in homologous and heterologous NA and IFN-γ-SC response may explain the differences in protection against homologous and heterologous challenge between type 1 and type 2 PRRSV. Primary challenge (immunization) with type 1 PRRSV provided protection against the secondary homologous challenge with type 1 PRRSV but failed to provide protection against the secondary heterologous challenge of type 2 PRRSV. Primary challenge with type 2 PRRSV provided protection against both the secondary homologous challenge with type 2 PRRSV and the secondary heterologous challenge with type 1 PRRSV.

An experimental study with a vaccine strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus to determine effects on viremia assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in pigs fed rations medicated with tilmicosin or non-medicated

Objectives: To determine if feed medicated with tilmicosin affects viremia (assessed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) in pigs exposed to a vaccine strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), clinical signs associated with vaccination (body temperature), and average daily gain. Materials and methods: Purebred Yorkshire pigs (N = 192) were each assigned to one of five treatment groups. Groups 1a and 1b remained PRRSV-negative (controls), while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were injected with a modified-live (MLV) PRRSV vaccine. Groups 1b and 2 were fed non-medicated feed. Rations contained tilmicosin at 400 mg per kg for Group 1a and Group 4 and 200 mg per kg for Group 3. Blood samples were collected to measure serum tilmicosin concentrations and assess PRRSV viremia. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and macrophages assessed for PRRSV viremia and tilmicosin concentrations. Results: Groups 1a and 1b remained PRRSV-negative. Number of PRRSV copies per mL in serum was highest in inoculated pigs at 10 days post inoculation, but did not differ among the three inoculated groups. Average daily gain (ADG) was higher in groups fed rations containing 400 mg per kg tilmicosin than in groups on non-medicated rations. Clinical signs of disease were absent in all pigs. Implications: Viremia associated with an MLV vaccine strain of PRRSV does not differ between pigs fed rations containing 200 or 400 mg per kg of tilmicosin. In the absence of clinical disease, pigs consuming tilmicosin-medicated feed have higher ADG than pigs consuming non-medicated feed.

Concurrent vaccination of pigs with type 1 and type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) protects against type 1 PRRSV but not against type 2 PRRSV on dually challenged pigs

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of concurrent vaccination of pigs with both type 1 and type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine against heterologous dual challenge of both genotypes and compare with single vaccination of pigs against heterologous single challenge of both genotypes. Pigs were administered both type 1 and type 2 PRRSV vaccine concurrently into separate anatomical sites at 28days of age and inoculated intranasally with both genotypes at 63days of age. Neutralizing antibodies (NA) were not detected in any pigs in any group (NA titer <2 log2) throughout the experiment. In addition, concurrent vaccination of pigs with two PRRSV genotypes had significantly lower numbers of type 1 and type 2 PRRSV-specific interferon-γ secreting cells (IFN-γ-SC) compared to vaccination of pigs with type 1 or type 2 PRRSV only. Despite the decreased induction of type 1 PRRSV-specific IFN-γ-SC, concurrent vaccination is still able to reduce type 1 PRRSV viremia whereas the decreased induction of type 2 PRRSV-specific IFN-γ-SC by concurrent vaccination correlates with lack of reduction of type 2 PRRSV viremia after dual challenge. The results of this study demonstrated that concurrent vaccination of pigs with two PRRSV genotypes is able to reduce the levels of type 1 PRRSV viremia and lung lesions but not able to reduce the levels of type 2 PRRSV viremia and lung lesions.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) naturally contaminated feed impairs the immune response induced by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) live attenuated vaccine

Cereal commodities are frequently contaminated with mycotoxins produced by the secondary metabolism of fungal infection. Among these contaminants, deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin, is the most prevalent type B trichothecene mycotoxin worldwide. Pigs are very sensitive to the toxic effects of DON and are frequently exposed to naturally contaminated feed. Recently, DON naturally contaminated feed has been shown to decrease porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) specific antibody responses following experimental infection. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of DON naturally contaminated feed on the immune response generated following vaccination with PRRSV live attenuated vaccine. Eighteen pigs were randomly divided into three experimental groups of 6 animals based on DON content of the diets (0, 2.5 and 3.5mg DON/kg). They were fed these rations one week prior to the vaccination and for all the duration of the immune response evaluation. All pigs were vaccinated intra-muscularly with one dose of Ingelvac® PRRSV modified live vaccine (MLV). Blood samples were collected at day −1, 6, 13, 20, 27 and 35 post vaccination (pv) and tested for PRRSV RNA by RT-qPCR and for virus specific antibodies by ELISA. Results showed that ingestion of DON-contaminated diets significantly decreased PRRSV viremia. All pigs fed control diet were viremic while only 1 (17%) and 3 (50%) out of 6 pigs were viremic in the groups receiving 3.5 and 2.5mg of DON/kg, respectively. Subsequently, all pigs fed control diet developed PRRSV specific antibodies while only viremic pigs that were fed contaminated diets have developed PRRSV specific antibodies. These results suggest that feeding pigs with DON-contaminated diet could inhibit vaccination efficiency of PRRSV MLV by severely impairing viral replication.

Cross-protection of a new type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modified live vaccine (Fostera PRRS) against heterologous type 1 PRRSV challenge in growing pigs

The objective of the present study was to determine the cross-protection of a new type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) modified live vaccine against heterologous type 1 PRRSV challenge in growing pigs. The mean rectal temperature and respiratory score was significantly (P<0.05) lower in vaccinated challenged pigs than in unvaccinated challenged pigs. Vaccination of pigs with type 2 PRRSV reduced the levels of type 1 PRRSV viremia after challenge with type 1 PRRSV. Vaccinated challenged pigs had significantly (P<0.05) higher frequency of interferon-γ secreting cells and lower levels of interleukin-10 compared to unvaccinated challenged pigs. Vaccination of pigs with the type 2 PRRSV effectively reduced the macroscopic and microscopic lung lesion and the type 1 PRRSV antigens within lung lesions in vaccinated challenged pigs. This study demonstrates partial cross-protection of a new type 2 PRRSV modified live vaccine against heterologous type 1 PRRSV challenge in growing pigs.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a new modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine (Fostera PRRS) against heterologous PRRSV challenge

The objective of this study was to evaluate a new modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine (Fostera PRRS, Zoetis, Florham, NJ, USA) that was based on a virulent US PRRSV isolate (P129) attenuated using CD163-expressing cell lines. Sixty-four PRRSV-seronegative 3-week-old pigs were randomly divided into the following four groups: vaccinated challenged (group 1), vaccinated unchallenged (group 2), unvaccinated challenged (group 3), and unvaccinated unchallenged (group 4). The pigs in groups 1 and 2 were immunized with a 2.0mL dose of modified live PRRSV vaccine at 21 days of age, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. At 56 days of age (0 days post-challenge), the pigs in groups 1 and 3 were inoculated intranasally with 3mL of tissue culture fluid containing 105 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/mL of PRRSV (SNUVR090851 strain, fourth passage in MARC-145 cells). Vaccinated challenged pigs exhibited significantly lower (P<0.05) respiratory scores, viremia, macroscopic and microscopic lung lesion scores, and PRRSV-antigen with interstitial pneumonia than unvaccinated challenged pigs. The induction of PRRSV-specific IFN-γ-SCs by the new modified live PRRSV vaccine produced a protective immune response, leading to the reduction of PRRSV viremia. Although the new modified live PRRSV vaccine is not effective against heterologous PRRSV challenge, the new modified live PRRSV vaccine was able to reduce the levels of viremia and nasal shedding, and severity of PRRSV-induced lesions after challenging virus under experimental conditions.