Glaesserella


Glaesserella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria in the family Pasteurellaceae. Members of this genus are primarily associated with pigs and include pathogens of veterinary importance.

Taxonomy

The genus Glaesserella was established in 2020 following phylogenomic analyses that reclassified species previously placed in the genus Haemophilus. The type species is Glaesserella parasuis, formerly known as Haemophilus parasuis.

Etymology

The name Glaesserella honors Karl Glässer, a German veterinarian who first described Glässer’s disease in pigs in 1906. The suffix "-ella" is a diminutive commonly used in bacterial genus names.

Species

Recognized species within the genus include:Glaesserella australis

Clinical significance

Glaesserella parasuis is the causative agent of Glässer’s disease, a condition in pigs characterized by polyserositis, arthritis, meningitis, and pneumonia. It mainly affects weaned piglets and can result in significant economic losses in swine production.

Identification

Species of Glaesserella can be identified through biochemical testing and molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction assays and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.