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World J Virol . Feb 12, 2012; 1(1): 23-30
Published online Feb 12, 2012. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v1.i1.23
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccines: Immunogenicity, efficacy and safety aspects
Wasin Charerntantanakul
Wasin Charerntantanakul, Research Laboratory for Immunity Enhancement in Humans and Domestic Animals, Program of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand
Author contributions: Charerntantanakul W solely contributed to this paper.
Supported by The Thailand Research Fund, NO. DIG5180032
Correspondence to: Wasin Charerntantanakul, DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Director, Research Laboratory for Immunity Enhancement in Humans and Domestic Animals, Program of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand. wasin@mju.ac.th
Telephone: +66-53-873535-117 Fax: +66-53-878225
Received: July 13, 2011
Revised: September 21, 2011
Accepted: September 29, 2011
Published online: February 12, 2012
Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection is the leading cause of economic casualty in swine industry worldwide. The virus can cause reproductive failure, respiratory disease, and growth retardation in the pigs. This review deals with current status of commercial PRRS vaccines presently used to control PRRS. The review focuses on the immunogenicity, protective efficacy and safety aspects of the vaccines. Commercial PRRS modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine elicits delayed humoral and cell-mediated immune responses following vaccination. The vaccine confers late but effective protection against genetically homologous PRRSV, and partial protection against genetically heterologous virus. The MLV vaccine is of concern for its safety as the vaccine virus can revert to virulence and cause diseases. PRRS killed virus (KV) vaccine, on the other hand, is safe but confers limited protection against either homologous or heterologous virus. The KV vaccine yet helps reduce disease severity when administered to the PRRSV-infected pigs. Although efforts have been made to improve the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of PRRS vaccines, a better vaccine is still needed in order to protect against PRRSV.

Keywords: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus; Vaccine