Abstract:
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a major bacterial pathogen causing porcine pleuropneumoniae, which is a disease of notable economic impact and high fatality rates among pigs worldwide.
It has been reported that 19 distinct serotypes of this bacterium exist. Despite its global prominence,
there exists a scarcity of information regarding its prevalence and distribution in South Africa. Thus,
this study used laboratory records to investigate the serotype diversity, temporal distribution, and
seasonal patterns of A. pleuropneumoniae isolated from porcine samples spanning from 1985 to 2023
within South Africa. Data from laboratory registries of 354 cases, obtained from three veterinary
laboratories in South Africa, were analyzed. The data were categorized into two-time frames: term 1,
covering 1985 to 2001, and term 2, spanning from 2002 to 2023. The dataset identified 11 different
serotypes, with serotype 7 being the most prevalent at 22.7% (n = 62), which was followed by serotype
5 at 13.8% (n = 42). The study highlighted variations in the prevalence of serotypes among diseased
animals over a 38-year period. Serotypes 3, 5, 7 and 8 were commonly observed during this time,
while serotype 4 was absent from 1985 to 2001, and serotypes 1, 6, and 10 were absent from 2002 to
2023. The distribution of serotypes showed a diverse variation in the age of affected animals, clinical
manifestation, and seasonal occurrence. Key findings revealed that serotype 7 was the most prevalent
across all seasons with the highest occurrence in winter. Additionally, Gauteng province showed the
highest prevalence of various serotypes. The information collected during this study will serve as a
baseline for future epidemiological studies as well as inform control strategies.
