Description of anatomopathologic lesions in five pigs (Sus domesticus) with arespiratory presentation suggestive of the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC):case report.

Abstract

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is a multifactorial condition driven by interactions among infectious agents such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Glaesserella parasuis, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), and swine influenza A virus, together with predisposing factors including stress, overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and temperature fluctuations. This report describes the pathological findings in five 6–8-week-old pigs, weighing 13–17 kg, that presented with respiratory signs characterized by nasal discharge, dyspnea, and cachexia. Necropsies (two complete and three partial) were performed, and samples from affected systems were collected, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and processed using routine histologic techniques to document gross and microscopic lesions. The aim of this study is to detail the observed findings and correlate the respiratory lesions with the multifactorial etiology of PRDC. This case underscores the importance of integrating anatomopathologic evaluation into swine production systems to optimize diagnosis, management, and prevention of the complex, thereby contributing to more efficient and sustainable swine production.