Genomic analysis project of the bacteria responsible for the “greasy pig”

Authors: Dr. Antony Vincent, Dr. Steve Charette, Dr. Martine Denicourt and Dr. Marie-Ève Lambert

CRIPA, Fonds de recherche du Québec, Université de Montréal, Université Laval

Article published in La terre de chez nous on June 3, 2024 : https://www.laterre.ca/chroniques/page-de-conseils/projet-danalyse-genomique-de-la-bacterie-responsable-du-cochon-graisseux/

The Staphylococcus hyicus bacteria can cause health and welfare problems in piglets, causing a skin condition known as exudative epidermatitis or “greasy pig”. Although this bacterium is commonly found in pig herds around the world, little genetic data is available on it. In order to improve our understanding of this bacteria, researchers from the Swine and Poultry Infectious Diseases Research Center (CRIPA) from Laval University and the University of Montreal have undertaken a project aimed at studying strains of this bacterium isolated from pigs in eastern Canada, four of which had their genetic background analyzed.

These four strains were identified from samples of piglets showing signs of exudative epidermatitis and/or lameness. After their isolation and identification, the genome of each strain was sequenced. The data obtained revealed valuable information about their genetics.

The study reveals genetic diversity of Staphylococcus hyicus even within the same region. On the other hand, analysis of antibiotic resistance genes indicates that these four strains are resistant to tetracycline, an antibiotic commonly used in the pork industry.

Two distinct tetracycline resistance genes were identified in the strains studied, which illustrates an adaptation of these bacteria to antibiotic treatments and confirms the suspicions of the sentinel veterinarians of the porcine Animal Health Alert and Information Network (RAIZO) mentioning the treatment failures and recurrent cases observed in 2022.

This genomic analysis project is a first step in a larger initiative seeking to acquire in-depth knowledge of Staphylococcus hyicus in Quebec. This work is made possible thanks to the support of the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the New Initiative program of CRIPA. We invite breeders to participate in this first initiative tackling exudative epidermitis and to discuss it with their treating veterinarian. Financial compensation is provided for participants. These advances in understanding the genetics of Staphylococcus hyicus will pave the way for new, more effective control strategies against this bacterium in pigs.