We have recently demonstrated that an attenuated strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
unable to synthesize the zinc transporter ZnuABC (S. Typhimurium znuABC), is able to protect mice
against systemic and enteric salmonellosis and is safe in pigs. Here, we have tested the protective effects
of S. Typhimurium znuABC in pigs. Resistance to challenge with the fully virulent strain S. Typhimurium
ATCC 14028 was assessed in animals vaccinated with S. Typhimurium znuABC (two dosages tested), in
controls vaccinated with a formalin-inactivated virulent strain and in unvaccinated controls. Clinical signs
of salmonellosis, faecal shedding and bacterial colonization of organs were used to assess vaccine-induced
protection. After the challenge, pigs vaccinated with the attenuated S. Typhimurium znuABC strain did
not display clinical signs of salmonellosis (fever or diarrhoea). The vaccine also reduced intestinal tract
colonization and faecal shedding of the fully virulent Salmonella strain, as compared to control groups. S.
Typhimurium znuABC represents a promising candidate vaccine against salmonellosis in pigs.
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