Glaesserella parasuis (G. parasuis)

Glaesserella parasuis (formerly known as Haemophilus parasuis) is a small, pleomorphic, Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family Pasteurellaceae (Norskov-Lauritsen, 2019). It is a common inhabitant of the upper respiratory tract in swine but can transition into a systemic pathogen causing Glässer's disease, characterized by fibrinous polyserositis, meningitis, and arthritis (Costa-Hurtado et al., 2020). As a whole organism, it is not a single molecular target but rather a pathogen containing multiple potential drug targets such as the cell wall and ribosomes (Nedbalcova et al., 2006). Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics like ceftiofur or amoxicillin, which disrupt bacterial structural integrity or metabolic processes (Macedo et al., 2015). Prevention is often managed through vaccination strategies and strict biosecurity measures to limit the impact of virulent strains in pig populations (Dickerman et al., 2020). The bacterium's ability to evade the host immune system through capsule production and biofilm formation complicates treatment and eradication efforts (Costa-Hurtado et al., 2020). Understanding the genetic diversity and serovar distribution of G. parasuis is crucial for developing effective diagnostic tools and cross-protective vaccines (Dickerman et al., 2020).

Other names

Haemophilus parasuisH. parasuisGlässer's disease bacterium

Antibiotics targeting G. parasuis typically inhibit cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication.