Detection of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in drinking water from pig farms

Microbiology (Reading). 2013 Mar;159(Pt 3):536-544. doi: 10.1099/mic.0.057992-0. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

Abstract

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the aetiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia and is normally transmitted by aerosols and direct contact between animals. A. pleuropneumoniae has traditionally been considered an obligate pathogen of pigs and its presence in the environment has yet to be investigated. Here, the presence of A. pleuropneumoniae was detected in drinking water of pig farms in Mexico using a PCR specific for the RTX toxin gene, apxIV. The presence of A. pleuropneumoniae in farm drinking water was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence using an A. pleuropneumoniae-specific polyclonal antibody and by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Viable bacteria from the farm drinking water were detected using the Live/Dead BacLight stain. Additionally, viable A. pleuropneumoniae was selected and isolated using the cAMP test and the identity of the isolated bacteria were confirmed by Gram staining, a specific polyclonal antibody and an A. pleuropneumoniae-specific PCR. Furthermore, biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy in A. pleuropneumoniae-positive samples. In conclusion, our data suggest that viable A. pleuropneumoniae is present in the drinking water of swine farms and may use biofilm as a strategy to survive in the environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae / genetics
  • Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae / isolation & purification*
  • Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae / physiology
  • Animal Husbandry*
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Drinking Water / microbiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Mexico
  • Microbial Viability
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Swine

Substances

  • ApxIVA protein, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Drinking Water