Pathogenesis, Clinical Significance and Epidemiology of Porcine Circovirus 3 with Insights from German Herds

Abstract

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3), a recently identified member of the Circoviridae family, has garnered attention due to its potential role in a variety of porcine diseases, including multisystemic inflammation, reproductive failures, and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome. Despite its detection in both healthy and diseased pigs, its precise pathogenic mechanisms and contribution to clinical outcomes remain under investigation. This thesis explores the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and histopathological impacts of PCV3, with an emphasis on its prevalence and significance within German swine herds.