Chemotherapeutic Strategies with Valnemulin, Tilmicosin, and Tulathromycin to Control Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Infection in Pigs

Abstract

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the primary agent of Swine Enzootic Pneumonia (SEP). Vaccines reduce the clinical manifestation of the disease but do not prevent infection. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of antimicrobial drugs to minimize the impact of M. hyopneumoniae. For this, 32 pregnant female pigs and their litters were selected and then followed from birth to slaughter. The study involved three experimental groups that received metaphylactic treatment with different protocols involving tilmicosin, valnemulin, tulathromycin, and a control group to compare the effect of treatments against M. hyopneumoniae infection throughout the phases. Performance data were recorded, and the piglets were evaluated for the occurrence of cough. Nasal swab and blood collection was conducted periodically to detect M. hyopneumoniae shedding and anti-M. hyopneumoniae IgG, respectively. At slaughter, the lungs of animals from all groups were evaluated, and samples were collected for histopathological examination and qPCR for M. hyopneumoniae detection. All protocols promoted a reduction in consolidation lung lesions when compared to the control group. Individuals treated with valnemulin showed increased performance results, lower mortality, and low bacterial load in the lung. The results are promising and may indicate an alternative in the strategic control of M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs.

Use of Nanostructured Silica SBA-15 as an Oral Vaccine Adjuvant to Control Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in Swine Production

“…Based on the present study, measures based on vaccination were essential in protecting the animals, although they were not fully effective in inhibiting the dissemination or infection by M. hyopneumoniae, demonstrating that the control of the bacteria depends, in addition to vaccination, on other joint actions such as the rational use of efficient antimicrobial molecules [24] and especially effective biosecurity measures in production [6]. Given the results of the present study, there is evidence that oral vaccination with a vaccine produced using the carrier-adjuvant has been effective in reducing lung lesions and the dissemination of M. hyopneumoniae in production.…”