Prevalence of Streptococcus suis types 1 and 2 in domestic pigs in Australia and New Zealand

Using an indirect fluorescent antibody test, 54 per cent of 734 palatine tonsils of conventional pigs slaughtered in Australia and New Zealand were found to be infected with Streptococcus suis type 1 and 73 per cent of 959 were infected with S suis type 2. Variations in the prevalence of infection in pigs from different herds were thought to be due to differences in the sample sizes rather than to real differences in the prevalence between herds. The prevalence of infection with S suis was similar in pigs of either sex and in different age groups. Streptococcus suis type 2 was detected in the blood of 3 per cent of apparently normal pigs slaughtered at a meat processing plant. The presence of this organism in edible tissue may pose a health risk to consumers and meat-workers. Both S suis types 1 and 2 were detected in the vaginas and uteri of slaughtered pigs and the female reproductive tract could be another site for the carriage of infection. Piglets from sows with vaginas infected with S suis type 2 became infected earlier than piglets from sows with uninfected vaginas. No infected male reproductive tracts were detected and venereal transmission of S suis therefore appears unlikely. Three specific pathogen free herds were found to be free from infection with both S suis types 1 and 2. It is concluded that hysterectomy derived piglets are delivered free from infection, whereas some piglets born to sows with uterine and vaginal infections are either born infected or become infected at, or soon after, birth.     

Detection of virulent strains of Streptococcus suis type 2 and highly virulent strains of Streptococcus suis type 1 in tonsillar specimens of pigs by PCR.

We developed a PCR assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of virulent Streptococcus suis type 2 and highly virulent S. suis type 1 in tonsillar specimens from pigs. The PCR primers were based on the sequence of the gene encoding the EF-protein of virulent S. suis type 2 strains (MRP+EF+) and highly virulent S. suis type 1 strains (MRP(s)EF+) and of the EF protein of weakly virulent S. suis type 2 strains (MRP+EF). The latter strains give rise to larger PCR products than the virulent strains of S. suis type 1 and 2. A positive control template was included in the assay to identify false negative results. The PCR was evaluated using tonsillar specimens from herds known (or suspected) to be infected and herds without an S. suis history. The results obtained with the PCR assay were compared with the results obtained with a newly developed bacteriological examination. In this bacteriological examination we were able to identify the EF-positive strains directly in the tonsillar specimens. From the 99 tonsils examined, 48 were positive in the PCR and 51 negative. All specimens from which EF-positive S. suis strains were isolated were also positive in the PCR assay. Three samples were positive in the PCR, but negative by bacteriological examination. The results demonstrated that the PCR is a highly specific and sensitive diagnostic tool for the detection of pigs carrying virulent strains of S. suis type 2 and highly virulent strains of type 1. Application of the assay may contribute to the control of S. suis infections.     

Cloning, expression and characterization of a cell wall surface protein, 6-phosphogluconate-dehydrogenase, of Streptococcus suis serotype 2

Streptococcus suis type 2 is a pathogen responsible for diverse diseases in both pigs and humans. In order to understand the pathogenesis of the S. suis type 2 infection, the gene encoding a cell surface protein, 6-phosphogluconate-dehydrogenase (6PGD) of S. suis type 2 was cloned and sequenced, and recombinant 6PGD protein (r6PGD) was produced in a prokaryotic expression system. Sequence analysis of the cloned 6 pdg gene showed 82% similarity with Streptococcus pneumoniae 6 pdg at the nucleic acid level. Western blotting using r6PGD-specific antiserum confirmed the cell surface location of the 6PGD protein of S. suis type 2. The role of 6PGD in S. suis type 2 pathogenesis as an adhesin and its immunogenicity in mice was further investigated. The results showed that the recombinant protein interfered with the adhesion of S. suis type 2 to Hep2 and HeLa cells by 72% and 66%, respectively. Immunization of CD-1 mice with r6PGD increased the protective efficacy by 80% following intraperitoneal administration of a lethal dose of S. suis type 2. Immunization of CD-1 mice with r6PGD elicited a significant protective immune response, which demonstrated the importance of 6PGD to bacterial pathogenesis. Identification and characterization of the role of S. suis type 2 6PGD in adhesion and immunogenicity will allow us to use this protein to develop new antimicrobial therapies and/or vaccines.     

Streptococcus suis type 2 infections in pigs in the Netherlands (Part two)

Since 1983 some pig breeding and fattening farms in the Netherlands have been faced with a considerable mortality in pigs due to Streptococcus suis type 2 infections. The most predominant clinical feature of S. suis type 2 infection is meningitis, although sudden deaths often occur. It was noted that some affected farms had imported breeding stock from the United Kingdom. Tonsils of slaughter pigs were collected from herds with and without a history of S. suis type 2 infections. Bacteriological examination was done by using an elective-selective medium. No significant difference was found in carrier rates of S. suis type 2 between clinically healthy and affected herds (38% vs. 45%). A cohort study was carried out by regular bacteriological examination of tonsil biopsies on a farm with a high incidence of streptococcal meningitis. Twenty-seven percent of the pigs were carriers of S. suis type 2 at nine weeks of age. Possible methods for disease control are discussed.     

Streptococcus suis infections in pigs in the Netherlands (Part I)

Data are presented on the incidence of various streptococcal infections in pigs in the Netherlands. 314 Strains isolated in the course of routine post-mortem diagnosis were examined. The most frequently occurring streptococcus was S. subacidus (bio) type II which was isolated in 31.2% of the cases. S. suis type 2 (Serogroup R) and S. equisimilis (Serogroup C) constituted 16.2% and 13.7% of the isolates respectively. Besides meningitis, endocarditis and polyserositis S. suis type 2 infections may frequently be associated with pneumonia (42%). The biochemical profiles of the various S. suis and S. subacidus (bio) types are presented. The profile of both species is almost identical. It seems justified to use the name S. suis for strains with this characteristic profile and to abandon the name S. subacidus. Haemolysis does not appear to be a suitable characteristic to screen for S. subacidus/S. suis types. In comparing three serological methods for typing S. suis type 2, gel precipitation using Fuller's extract and slide agglutination give an almost 100% correlation. These two methods are recommended for serotyping.     

上海地区31株2型猪链球菌的分离鉴定及其耐药性分析

猪链球菌病是由猪链球菌引起的一种重要人畜共患病,尤其是猪链球菌2型,不仅对猪的致病性最强,而目可感染特定人群并致死,给人类公共卫生和养猪业带来巨大影响。本研究采集临床症状疑似2型猪链球菌感染猪的全血及内脏器官,通过观察菌落形态及培养特征,筛选出可疑样品,纯化培养并进行PCR鉴定,筛选到31株2型猪链球菌,最后用纸片扩散法对临床分离到的2型猪链球菌菌株测定其耐药性,结果显示对5种药物耐药率分别为：80%（AM）、68%（GM）、84%（CHL）、52%（SXT）、55%（CIP）。试验结果表明分离的31株2型猪源性链球菌,均为多重耐药株,且青霉素类药物的耐药性较为严重,这为临床在治疗2型猪链球菌病提供了合理的指导作用。     

Streptococcus suis serotypes associated with disease in weaned pigs

Streptococcus suis was recovered from 9 outbreaks of septicaemia and meningitis in weaned pigs between 1979 and 1983. Fifteen isolates from 7 outbreaks were identified as S. suis type 9, and 3 isolates from 2 outbreaks as S. suis type 2. Three further isolates of S. suis type 2 and an isolate of S. suis type 3 were recovered from cases of bronchopneumonia in weaned pigs from 4 other piggeries.     

猪链球菌2型的PCR快速检测

根据猪链球菌 2型的荚膜多糖抗原基因 cps2 J,合成 1对可扩增长度为 6 75 bp目的片段的引物 ,建立了检测猪链球菌 2型的 PCR法。应用 PCR对 9株经玻片凝集试验检测为猪链球菌 2型的菌株进行了检测 ,均呈阳性 ;而对马链球菌兽疫亚种 (C群 )、猪葡萄球菌、猪丹毒杆菌、猪肺疫巴氏杆菌、猪肺炎霉形体等检测结果均呈阴性 ,表明了本方法的特异性。用此法对 88份正常猪的扁桃体样品的细菌分离物进行了检测 ,36份呈阳性 ,同时用玻片凝集试验进行对照检测 ,也全部呈阳性。而此法不需进行细菌的纯分离培养 ,即可用于猪链球菌 2型的快速诊断以及流行病学调查。     

检测猪链球菌２型的溶菌酶释放蛋白（ＭＲＰ）的ＰＣＲ方法的建立

根据猪链球菌２型的mrp基因自设计和合成了一对可扩增长度为８８５bp目的片段的引物，成功地建立了检测溶菌酶释放蛋白（ＭＰＲ）的ＰＣＲ方法，用ＸbaⅠ内切酶进行酶切，获得了与预期一致的５７8bp和３０７bp２的２个片段，并进行了ＰＣＲ的特异性试验和敏感性试验。对马链球菌兽疫亚种、猪丹毒杆菌、猪肺疫巴氏杆菌和猪肺炎支原体的ＰＣＲ检测结果均呈阴性；检测的敏感度可达１００个细菌。另外，对９株从病猪体内分离的猪链球菌２型菌株进行检测了８个呈阳性；对１５份正常屠宰猪扁桃体分离物的检测结果是１份为阳性。结果表明此法特异性敏感性均很高，可作为ＭＲＰ快速诊和流行病学调查的手段。     

猪链球菌2型CPS2J基因PCR检测技术研究进展

猪链球菌广泛存在于自然界,可引起猪链球菌病,以发烧、败血症、脑膜炎、肺炎、关节炎等为主要特征;猪链球菌病是一种重要的人畜共患传染病,共有35种血清型,其中以2型流行最广,危害最大。荚膜多糖抗原作为链球菌重要毒力因子,在引起猪链球菌病的过程中起到了关键性的作用,以此作为目的基因的PCR检测方法的报道也不在少数,现就近年来国内外猪链球菌2型荚膜多糖抗原基因（CPS2J）PCR检测技术进行综合论述,以期为实验室检测人员提供有关的资料。     

The role of toll-like receptors in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis is an important agent of swine and human meningitis. Sequence type (ST) 7 emerged in China and was responsible for the human epidemic caused by S. suis in 2005. The virulence of S. suis ST7 is greater than the wild type pathogenic S. suis, ST1; however, the mechanisms for this increased pathogenicity are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of different toll-like receptors (TLRs) involved in regulating the host response to the S. suis infection and to speculate on differing mechanisms used by ST7 strains to induce disease. Here we compared two ST7 strains isolated in the 2005 Sichuan outbreak to two ST1 strains. Our data show TLR2, 6 and 9 are involved in the recognition of heat-killed S. suis independent of the ST type. We found the TLR-dependent cytokine production differed between the two types of strains using whole cell lysate proteins. TLR6 played a greater role in cytokine production induced by the whole cell lysate proteins from the ST7 strain than in that induced by the ST1 strain lysates. The data suggest that mechanisms of inflammation induced by S. suis strains differ where this will be useful in designing efficient strategies in combating streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome caused by the S. suis ST7 strains.     

Streptococcus suis type 2 infections in pigs in the Netherlands (part two)

Summary

Since 1983 some pig breeding and fattening farms in the Netherlands have been faced with a considerable mortality in pigs due to Streptococcus suis type 2 infections. The most predominant clinical feature of S. suis type 2 infection is meningitis, although sudden deaths often occur. It was noted that some affected farms had imported breeding stock from the United Kingdom.

Tonsils of slaughter pigs were collected from herds with and without a history of S. suis type 2 infections. Bacteriological examination was done by using an elective‐selective medium. No significant difference was found in carrier rates of S. suis type 2 between clinically healthy and affected herds (38% vs. 45%).

A cohort study was carried out by regular bacteriological examination of tonsil biopsies on a farm with a high incidence of streptococcal meningitis. Twenty‐seven percent of the pigs were carriers of S. suis type 2 at nine weeks of age. Possible methods for disease control are discussed.     

Production of muraminidase-released protein (MRP), extracellular factor (EF) and suilysin by field isolates of Streptococcus suis capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 isolated from swine in France

A total of 323 isolates of Streptococcus suis recovered from diseased or healthy pigs in France were serotyped. The presence of virulence-related proteins, Muraminidase-Released Protein (MRP), Extracellular Factor (EF) and Suilysin was also studied in 122 isolates of capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 to evaluate their implication in virulence of S. suis. Capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 were the most frequently detected (93%), with 69% for the capsular type 2 alone. Capsular types 2, 1/2, 9, 7, 3, 1, 4, 8, 18, 10 and 12 were isolated from diseased pigs, whereas types 2, 7, 9, 1/2, and 3 originated from the nasal cavities or tonsils of healthy animals. Most of the S. suis type 2 isolates recovered from diseased pigs carried MRP+ EF- Suilysin- (46%) or MRP+ EF+ Suilysin+ (28%) phenotypes. The MRP+ EF- Suilysin- phenotype was also detected in 67% of S. suis type 2 strains isolated from healthy pigs. The production of the virulence-related proteins was less frequently found in S. suis types 1/2, 9, 7 and 3 recovered either from diseased or healthy pigs. In this study, all the capsular type 1/2 strains were MRP+ EF- Suilysin- and all the S. suis type 7 harboured an MRP- EF- Suilysin- phenotype. The MRP- EF- Suilysin- phenotype was found in S. suis types 2, 3, 7 and 9 isolated from septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and pleurisy. These results suggest that the presence of these proteins should not be used as a single condition for classifying the virulence of a field isolate in France.     

猪链球菌病流行病学及其疫苗研究现状

猪链球菌病流行无明显的季节性,一年四季均可发生,尤其是重症猪链球菌2型感染暴发时,致病性强,传播迅速,猪病死率高。该病同时可通过破损皮肤如伤口或擦伤传染给人,也可通过呼吸道感染人,严重感染时可引起人的死亡。控制猪链球菌病的感染,重在预防。不同类型的疫苗已研制成功或正在开发。近年来,基因工程疫苗如重组亚单位疫苗,细菌载体疫苗等新型疫苗的研究具有广泛应用前景。虽然猪链球菌病在猪群中的流行早有报道,但人类感染的报道较少,认识较局限。文章主要对该病的病原特性。流行病学及疫苗的研究做了系统的阐述,为该病的研究提供参考。     

Experimental infections of mice and pigs with Streptococcus suis type 2.

Five inbred strains of mice were tested for their susceptibility to Streptococcus suis type 2 including the type strain, two isolates from meningitis in pigs and two isolates from tonsils of clinically healthy pigs. C57BL/6, ICR and ddY strain mice showed lower susceptibility to all strains of S. suis type 2 than BALB/c and SS strain mice. The type strain and the isolates from diseased pigs produced septicaemia and meningitis in BALB/c and SS mice inoculated with 10(8) colony forming unit of the bacteria and 60 to 100% of these infected mice died. On the other hand, mice inoculated with the isolates from healthy pigs showed mild clinical signs but none of them died. In BALB/c mice which died or developed nervous signs, the purulent meningo-encephalitis, myocarditis, ophthalmitis, labyrinthitis and otitis media were observed. S. suis type 2 antigen was demonstrated in these lesions by immunoperoxidase staining using rabbit S. suis type 2 antiserum. These results were similar to those in the experimentally infected pigs with these virulent and avirulent strains against mice. These results indicate that BALB/c and SS strains of mice are useful as an experimental model of S. suis type 2 infections in pigs, and that there are virulent and avirulent strains against mice and pigs among the strains of S. suis type 2.     

Immunization of pigs against Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection using a live avirulent strain.

Streptococcus suis capsular type 2 is still an important cause of economic losses in the swine industry. At the present time, vaccination of pigs against this infection is generally carried out with autogenous bacterins and results are equivocal. In this study, the protective effect of a live avirulent S. suis type 2 strain (#1330) which had induced a good protection in mice, was evaluated in swine. The experiment was performed in triplicate using 4 week-old piglets. A total of 15 piglets were vaccinated 3 times, 15 others were vaccinated 2 times, and 15 piglets were injected 3 times with sterile Todd-Hewitt broth. Using an indirect ELISA, an increase in the IgG response to S. suis antigens was noted in 27 of the 30 vaccinated piglets. On day 21 post-vaccination, all animals were challenged intravenously with a virulent S. suis type 2 strain (#999). In the 2 vaccinated groups, 26 animals were fully protected. Only 1 out of the 15 piglets vaccinated 3 times developed mild clinical signs. In the group vaccinated twice, 3 piglets showed clinical signs and 1 of them died after the challenge. In the control group, 7 animals died out of the 11 with clinical signs of infection. In conclusion, a protective immunity was observed in swine when using strain 1330. However, more studies are needed to assess the use of a live S. suis strain in a vaccine for pigs.     

A murine model of Streptococcus suis type 2 meningitis in the pig

When young or adult mice were infected experimentally with isolates of Streptococcus suis type 2 of known pathogenicity for pigs, the organisms produced disease, young mice being more susceptible than adults. An isolate of S suis type 2 less pathogenic for pigs also appeared less pathogenic in mice. The organism could be reisolated from infected mice for up to 42 days. Inoculum size was one factor influencing the likelihood of an individual mouse developing meningitis following intravenous inoculation. Transmission of the organism from inoculated to in-contact mice occurred in young mice after intravenous or oral administration. These studies indicate that the behaviour of S suis type 2 in mice resembles its behaviour in pigs.     

Experimental infection of specific pathogen free piglets with French strains of Streptococcus suis capsular type 2.

A standardized model of Streptococcus suis type 2 infection in specific-pathogen-free piglets, housed in high-security barns, was used to compare the virulence of 3 French field strains of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from tonsils of a healthy pig (strain 65) or from diseased pigs (meningitis, strain 166', or septicemia, strain 24). In one of the 2 trials, 7-week-old pigs, in 3 groups of 8, were inoculated intravenously with 2 x 10(8) colony-forming units of S. suis type 2. In each group, 1 uninfected animal was a sentinel. Eight animals were also used as negative control group. The experiment was repeated under similar conditions with strains 65 and 166'. Virulence differed markedly among these S. suis strains when clinical signs, zootechnical performances, lesions, and bacteriological data were analyzed. Strain 65 did not induce clinical signs in inoculated pigs. In contrast, pigs infected with the other 2 strains exhibited clinical signs and typical lesions of S. suis type 2 infections. Differences in virulence were also observed between the 2 virulent strains. Sentinel animals exhibited the same manifestations as those recorded in inoculated piglets. Results were similar in the second trial, indicating that under the present experimental conditions, results were reproducible. The standardized conditions described in this study could be a useful tool to further study about the S. suis infection.     

猪链球菌2型多重PCR检测方法的建立及应用

设计3对引物,分别扩增链球菌属特异性gdh、猪链球菌种特异性16S rRNA和猪链球菌2型特异性cps2J等基因,目的片段大小分别为725bp、523bp和387bp。利用合成的3对引物并通过对反应条件与反应体系的优化建立了多重PCR。应用该多重PCR检测了分离到的链球菌1105株,检出猪链球菌667株,猪链球菌2型33株。研究结果表明,该方法特异性高、敏感性强,可广泛应用于猪链球菌病的快速诊断及流行病学调查。     

猪链球菌2型对PK-15细胞的黏附动力学

为研究携带不同毒力因子的猪链球菌2型对细胞侵袭作用的差异,本实验室从全国各地分离100多株猪链球菌,PCR鉴定出10株链球菌2型,其中携带毒力因子菌株为7-4［MRP⁺EF+］、8-3［MRP⁺EF^-］、ZH-1［MRP^-EF⁺］,另外选择1株LN-2 ［MRP^-EF^-］与PK 15细胞进行黏附动力学试验,结果表明MPR毒力因子与菌株对PK-15细胞黏附具有密切相关性。