Impact of African swine fever virus genotype II on the porcine female reproductive system.

ASFV genotype II causes severe reproductive tissue damage, directly threatening reproductive performance in infected swine herds.

This study investigated the pathogenesis of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II in the female porcine reproductive system using an experimental intramuscular inoculation model with a highly pathogenic strain (10 HAD). Female pigs developed fever exceeding 41°C within 3–4 days post-infection (dpi), with 100% mortality by 9 dpi. Viraemia was detected as early as 3 dpi, peaked at 6 dpi, and remained elevated until death, confirming rapid systemic dissemination. Notably, ASFV-specific antibodies were undetectable at 6 dpi, with only limited seroconversion at the terminal stage, underscoring the inadequacy of humoral immune responses in acute infection. ASFV DNA was identified in all reproductive organs via real-time PCR (Ct values: 21.89–27.9), confirming direct viral tropism for reproductive tissues. Gross and histopathological examination revealed severe lesions including vascular congestion, haemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration, endometrial desquamation, glandular necrosis, and ovarian follicular degeneration. The concurrent presence of high viral loads and marked tissue damage—particularly in the ovaries and endometrium—strongly implicates direct viral involvement rather than secondary systemic effects. These findings highlight that ASFV genotype II not only causes acute, fatal systemic infection but also induces significant reproductive organ pathology. For swine practitioners, this underscores the potential of ASFV genotype II to severely compromise reproductive performance, with implications for early detection, biosecurity, and herd management strategies in endemic or at-risk regions.

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