Work

Exposure to three zoonotic pathogens in the pig population of Southern Italy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Pigs represent a reservoir of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans through feeding or close contact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of three zoonotic pathogens (Brucella suis, Mycobacterium avium, and Paslahepevirus balayani, also called hepatitis E virus) in the swine population in the Campania region, Southern Italy. A total of 370 animals from 31 farms were sampled and tested with specific commercial ELISAs. Antibodies against hepatitis E virus were detected in 41.4 % of the animals and in almost all the farms (83.8 %). Mycobacterium avium and Brucella suis were less widespread (seroprevalences of 3.5 % and 0 % at the individual level, 32.3 % and 0 % at the farm level, respectively). The univariate analysis of risk factors showed that sex (males), location (Naples), age (growers and finishers), farm size, and system (intensive) were related to higher hepatitis E virus prevalences. We also found higher seroprevalences in pigs belonging to districts where bovines were the main ruminant species. This variable and age were confirmed as risk factors also in multivariate analysis. The data obtained highlighted how pigs are HEV reservoirs also in southern Italy and that pigs in this region are also exposed to Mycobacterium avium but not to Brucella suis.

Source: Acta Tropica

DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107607

Authors: Gianmarco Ferrara, Nebyou Moje, Antonella Rossi, Ugo Pagnini, Giuseppe Iovane, Serena Montagnaro

Institutions: University of Messina, Addis Ababa University, University of Naples Federico II

Language: English

Topic: Brucella: diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,160