Pathogen risk management (Streptococcus suis)

Streptococcus suis, one of the hidden enemies of swine production

Streptococcus suis is no longer an unfamiliar name to farmers and vets involved in modern pig farming. It is a Gram-positive bacteria. There are 29 serotypes, each identified by the structure of their polysaccharide capsule. Among them, serotypes 2 and 9 are the most widespread in swine production, particularly in Asia and Europe.

This bacteria resides primarily in the upper respiratory tract—nose, throat, tonsils—of pigs, and in particular healthy sows, without causing any specific symptoms. Transmission occurs primarily from the sow to the piglet, through the genital tract, through direct contact, or through the air.

Factors contributing to the development of infection

It can develop under certain conditions of stress, immunosuppression, or bad farming conditions (bad hygiene, poor ventilation, high humidity, dust, overcrowding, nutritional deficiencies, etc.) It can occurs in co-infection with other pathogens (PRSS virus, swine influenza, PCV2 circovirus, mycoplasmas) (Ruggeri et al., 2020; Obradovic et al., 2021). The infection most often occurs after weaning, when maternal antibodies are no longer sufficient to protect the piglet as it develops its own immunity.

 

A concerning trend following antibiotic therapy

Recent studies highlight a concerning trend in pig farms: a resurgence of Streptococcus suis, especially serotype 9, has been observed following treatment of E. coli infections, particularly with antibiotics. For example, the publication by Obradovic et al. (2021) suggests that the suppression of E. coli allows S. suis serotype 9 to colonize the upper respiratory tract of pigs more easily, taking advantage of a microbiological imbalance induced by the treatment. This is why it is classified as an opportunistic pathogen and can cause serious negative effects including meningitis, sepsis, arthritis, pneumonia, and even death. Without specific treatment, the mortality rate caused by certain pathogenic serotypes is estimated close to 20%.

 

Limited solutions to antibiotic resistance

Few solutions are currently available on the market: antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, ceftiofur remain the most commonly used treatments. However, antibiotic resistance is spreading rapidly worldwide, and the emergence of cross-resistance threatens the industry and the effectiveness of these treatments. In Europe, autovaccines (made from strains identified in the farm to be treated) are also used—this remains a costly solution with limited impact on the overall prevalence of the bacteria.

Lumigard Most, a nutritional approach that helps to limit colonization by Streptococcus suis

In this context, Mixscience has developed an exclusive blend of fatty acid esters enhanced by our own VSTAR technology, which ensures optimal zootechnical performance and easier handling in the factory.

Lumigard Most, your ally for combining performance and animal welfare:

  • Limits the colonization of pathogenic bacteria.
  • Promotes the development of intestinal villi, enhancing nutrient absorption and controlling pro-inflammatory compounds.
  • Balances the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacterial flora.
  • Improves animal performance.

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