THE ROLE OF PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME VIRUS (PRRSV) IN THE PORCINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE COMPLEX (PRDC)

Abstract

Concurrent bacterial infections of the respiratory tract in porcine reproductive and
respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-infected pigs is a major problem for the swine industry and may involve various factors. This review manuscript discusses the role of pulmonary macrophages, which are affected by PRRSV. The macrophage's phagocytic and bactericidal ability is altered by the PRRSV infection as is pulmonary clearance. PRRSV also induces apoptosis and macrophages cell lysis leading to an increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection, and the syndrome called porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). Prevention and control strategies for these concurrent infections are briefly discussed.