Pathogenesis
Pathogenesis is poorly understood but vasculitis plays an important role in the development of lesions. H. parasuis can be a primary pathogen or be associated with other diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) or swine influenza virus (SIV). Perhaps the lesions or stress of those diseases permit access of the organism. Presumably, there is a period of bacteremia since H. parasuis often localizes at multiple sites.
H. parasuis has a predilection for the leptomeninges and brain, often localizes there and stimulates an inflammatory reaction. In addition, the organism often can be isolated from one or more serosal surfaces, often as cause of inflammation and fibrinous exudates. Damage to vasculature, apparent microscopically, probably facilitates formation of inflammatory exudate and increased synovial fluid in joints. The organism is also a contributor to pneumonia by systemic distribution or expanding lesions in typical bronchopneumonia.