Ambient hydrogen sulfide exposure increases the severity of influenza A virus infection in swine. Issue 8 (17th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santana, Cristina M.; Gauger, Phillip; Vetger, Amber; Magstadt, Drew; Kim, Dong-Suk; Shrestha, Denusha; Charavaryamath, Chandrashekhar; Rumbeiha, Wilson K.
• Is Part Of: Archives of environmental & occupational health. Volume 76:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 526
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17
• Subjects: Hydrogen sulfide -- influenza A virus -- zoonotic disease -- pigs -- environmental stressor; Medicine, Preventive -- Periodicals; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational diseases -- Periodicals; Environmental Health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1896986
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1933-8244

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is common in concentrated pig feed operations from the decomposition of manure. Ambient H2 S is a respiratory tract irritant and an environmental stressor for caretakers and pigs. Influenza A virus (IAV), a zoonotic pathogen, has caused prior pandemics. The effects of H2 S or IAV alone on the respiratory system have been investigated, but their interaction has not. We hypothesized that exposure to environmentally-relevant H2 S concentrations increases the pathogenicity of IAV infection in swine. Thirty-five, three-week old pigs of mixed sex were exposed to breathing air or H2 S via inhalation 6 hours daily for 12 days. After 7 days, pigs were inoculated with H3N2 IAV (or a placebo). Results showed that ambient H2 S increased the severity of respiratory distress and lung pathology. H2 S also suppressed IL-IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 cytokine response in BALF and increased viral loads and nasal shedding.