Staphylococcal Pathogenesis in Livestock Systems
Summary
Staphylococci constitute a diverse group of opportunistic and primary pathogens that affect a wide range of livestock species. These Gram-positive cocci colonise skin, mucosal surfaces and the udder, where they deploy an arsenal of virulence factors including exfoliative toxins, adhesins and immune-evasion proteins. Biofilm formation on epithelial surfaces, medical devices and within glandular tissues contributes to persistent infections and treatment failure. In pigs, Staphylococcus hyicus is the principal agent of exudative epidermitis, while Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus agnetis are major causes of mastitis in bovines and skeletal infections in poultry. Rapid acquisition of multidrug resistance among livestock-associated strains, often via mobile genetic elements, presents a growing challenge to animal health and to one-health strategies. Effective control relies on integrated approaches encompassing improved diagnostics, targeted therapeutics, vaccination and stringent husbandry practices.
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Staphylococcal Pathogenesis in Livestock Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in staphylococcal pathogenesis in livestock systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Exudative epidermitis: A skin disease in piglets caused by exfoliative toxins of Staphylococcus hyicus, leading to diffuse epidermal damage and fluid exudation.
Biofilm: A structured community of bacteria adherent to surfaces and encased in extracellular matrix, conferring protection against antimicrobials and host defences.
Multidrug resistance (MDR): The ability of bacterial strains to withstand treatment by multiple antibiotic classes, often mediated by mobile genetic elements.
Virulence factor: Any molecule or structure produced by a pathogen that contributes to its ability to colonise, invade or damage the host.
Exfoliative toxin: A protease secreted by certain staphylococci that cleaves desmoglein in the epidermis, causing blistering and skin sloughing.
References
- Therapeutic Potential of Insect Defensin DLP4 Against Staphylococcus hyicus-Infected Piglet Exudative Epidermitis. Pharmaceutics (2024).
- Insights into the Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Staphylococcus hyicus Isolates from Spanish Swine Farms. Antibiotics (2024).
- Review on skeletal disorders caused by Staphylococcus spp. in poultry. Veterinary Quarterly (2022).
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