Understanding Pig Immune Response to Bacterial Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Jakob Hedegaard, Kerstin Skovgaard, Shila Mortensen, Peter Sørensen, Tim K Jensen, Henrik Hornshøj, Christian Bendixen, Peter MH Heegaard
Primary Institution: Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Aarhus
Hypothesis
What is the transcriptional response in pigs to infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae?
Conclusion
The study found significant changes in gene expression related to the immune response in pigs infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.
Supporting Evidence
- 357 genes were significantly differentially expressed in lung tissue between infected and non-infected pigs.
- 713 genes were affected in liver tissue from infected pigs compared to non-infected.
- 130 genes were significantly differentially expressed in tracheobronchial lymph node tissue.
Takeaway
Researchers studied how pigs' bodies react to a harmful bacteria, finding many genes that help fight infections were turned on.
Methodology
Microarray analyses were conducted on lung, liver, and lymph node tissues from infected and non-infected pigs.
Limitations
The study included a small number of animals and further research is needed to confirm findings.
Participant Demographics
Six 10-12 week old castrated pigs from a high health herd.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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