Bacteria play a role in the development of stomach ulcers in pigs

Stomach ulcers are common in pigs, as in humans. Until recently, the cause of this disease was not clear. The results of this thesis show that two bacteria play a role. One of these bacteria was previously unknown and was discovered during this thesis. This paves the way for the development of new methods of controlling the disease.

Stomach ulcers in pigs: a serious problem

Stomach ulcers are a common problem in pigs around the world. They cause pain, weight loss and sometimes even sudden death. It is clear that these ulcers affect the well-being of the animal. Diet, stress and illness can all contribute to the development of stomach ulcers, but the exact cause of the disease is not yet clear. In addition, there is no treatment that completely protects pigs against the development of stomach ulcers.

The potential role of bacteria

Helicobacter suis is a bacterium that is found frequently in the stomach of pigs. Humans can also be infected with this microbe. An infection with Helicobacter suis causes several problems, including stomach ulcers. Until recently, it was not clear how this bacterium induces the development of lesions. The results of this thesis show that Helicobacter suis affects the secretion of gastric acid. The effect depends on the age of the pigs. For example, in six-month-old pigs, secretion of acid was inhibited. This decrease in acid secretion paves the way for a new bacterium, discovered during this Ph.D. thesis, namely Fusobacterium gastrosuis. This bacterium can kill cells in the stomach wall. In adult pigs, acid secretion increases again, but at this stage already existing damage can be even more serious.

Conclusion and future objectives

The results of this thesis show that the concerted action of two bacteria, Helicobacter suis and Fusobacterium gastrosuis, play a role in the development of stomach ulcers in pigs. One of these bacteria, Helicobacter suis, can also cause stomach problems in people. Further studies on both bacteria are needed to develop new control measures for this disease.